Long Beach, CA — February 1, 2026 — On Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m., approximately 100 members from four local churches gathered at Alamitos Beach in Long Beach for the Alamitos Beach Cleanup, a coordinated effort focused on environmental stewardship, public safety, and scientific contribution.
The primary purpose of the event was to improve the safety and cleanliness of Alamitos Beach through the removal of harmful debris. The ASEZ WAO Volunteers worked diligently to collect plastic waste and other materials that pose risks to both recreational beachgoers and the local marine ecosystem. By removing litter and potentially hazardous items, participants helped create a safer and more welcoming environment for the community.
In addition to the hands-on cleanup effort, the event also contributed to ongoing research on plastic pollution trends. Volunteers carefully recorded and tallied the types of debris collected throughout the morning. This data was uploaded using the Marine Debris Tracker app, a citizen-science platform that allows individuals to document pollution and contribute to a free, open-source dataset used by researchers worldwide.
The beach location was selected following guidance from the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research. According to Dr. Win Cowger, Executive Director of the institute, beaches near the Los Angeles River represent an area where more environmental data is needed. By focusing efforts on Alamitos Beach, volunteers not only addressed visible pollution but also helped fill a critical data gap for scientists studying long-term plastic pollution patterns.
Improving shoreline conditions
The cleanup directly benefited local recreational beachgoers by improving shoreline conditions, while also supporting environmental researchers who rely on accurate, location-specific data to analyze pollution trends and inform solutions.
Shared commitment to stewardship
Although the event was not formally partnered with another organization and did not feature special guests, its impact was significant. Volunteers collected numerous bags of debris and generated valuable environmental data documenting conditions at Alamitos Beach on February 1, 2026.
In acknowledgment of the churches’ service to the community, two certificates of recognition were issued by Long Beach Councilmember Cindy Allen, and US Senate Alex Padilla.
The Alamitos Beach Cleanup reflects the participating churches’ shared commitment to stewardship, civic responsibility, and service — demonstrating how faith communities can work together to care and show love for both people and the environment.
