Plastic pollution is a problem that affects us all. Every year, over 11 million tons of plastic enter the ocean and that number is expected to triple by 2040! Girl Up USA and Ocean Wise are teaming up again to take the next step in the fight against plastic pollution with Heal Our Planet 2.0.
In 2024 we collected over 1,000 pounds of trash from USA shorelines, in 2025 we pledge to do even more. Join us for Heal Our Planet 2.0 to educate, advocate, and take action to stand against plastic pollution. Apply today to be ONE of the 20 leaders across the nation to take action and earn up to $250!
Activate, Advocate, and Action.
It’s time to take action for Earth Day 2025! Girl Up chapters have a unique opportunity to organize a Shoreline Cleanup and make a difference for the ocean and other bodies of water, and for their communities. Join us in creating a sustainable future, one shoreline cleanup at a time!
Apply today for the chance to earn up to $250!
Why Lead a Shoreline Cleanup?
Leading or joining a Shoreline Cleanup is a simple and tangible way for you to meaningfully contribute to ocean conservation!
By participating in a Shoreline Cleanup, you not only prevent plastic pollution from harming marine wildlife, but you also contribute to a collective action effort to track how much and what kind of trash is showing up on shorelines. This data is aggregated and used to help inform plastic pollution policy for government and businesses, amplifying the impact of your ocean conservation efforts!
Important dates and information
IG Live with Ocean Wise + Past Participant on Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Submit Application by Sunday March 2nd at 11:59 PM
Fulfill Application Criteria:
- Age 13-24
- Must identify as a girl, young woman, or gender non-conforming youth
- From/located in the United States.
- Ability to lead clean-up efforts o
- A shoreline is wherever water meets land” which could be lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, brooks, estuaries, or the ocean – you name it!
Attend Mandatory Activation Webinar on Wednesday, March 19th at 7:00 PM EST
Heal Our Planet Week of Action between April 19-27
Submit Action Report by Sunday May 4, 2025
Action Report Requirements:
- A 2-minute video and collection of photos
- Data compiled from the clean-up using Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup Data Card
Let the Journey Begin!
ACTIVATE
Mandatory Activation Webinar, Wednesday, March 19th from 7:00-8:00 PM EST
Let’s ACTIVATE to lead a Shoreline Cleanup! Register here, and join Girl Up USA and Ocean Wise. The Mandatory Activation Webinar on Wednesday, March 19 at 7:00 PM EST covering:
- The value of individual action and its role in collective impact on the ocean
- How to advocate for ocean conservation and climate change
- Why Shoreline Cleanups are impactful and how to take Action for a Heal Our Planet Award
This webinar is mandatory to receive the financial Heal Our Planet Award.
ADVOCATE
Political Advocacy for Climate Action
We will ADVOCATE for political climate action to engage with and influence policymakers, governments, and political systems to create and implement laws, regulations, and policies that address climate change. This type of advocacy is crucial for driving large-scale change, as government policies often have the power to regulate emissions, encourage renewable energy adoption, and protect the environment.
ACTION
Host a Shoreline Cleanup for our Heal our Planet Day of Action
In honor of Earth Day on April 22nd, we will be taking ACTION Girl Up youth to host their Shoreline Cleanups between April 19th and April 27th. On the day of your Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup, you’ll gather your cleanup team to: 1) collect waste, 2) measure your impact, and 3) collect your story. Be sure to note that your Action Reports will be due May 4th at 11:59 PM EST.
About ocean wise
Ocean Wise is a global conservation organization on a mission to build communities that take meaningful action to protect and restore our ocean. Through research, education, public engagement, and international collaborations, Ocean Wise empowers communities to fight three major ocean challenges: ocean pollution, overfishing and climate change. By equipping and empowering individuals, communities, industries, and governments, we can create a future where people and our ocean can thrive.
Application Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a deadline extension?
Unfortunately, due to the high number of applications we receive, we cannot offer application extensions.
What tips do you have for applicants?
- Be passionate about climate change
- Apply within the application window
- Attend our mandatory action training webinar
- Be precise about the body of water you’ve selected as your clean-up site
How will the application be evaluated?
Girl Up USA is looking for campaign participants who demonstrate:
- Climate Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of climate concepts and passion for environmental sustainability.
- Campaign Enthusiasm: Eagerness to engage in the Girl Up Heal Our Planet Course and Ocean Wise campaign.
- Action Plan Creativity: Innovative and feasible shoreline clean-up proposal.
- Community Engagement: Thoughtful approach to involving the community in clean-up efforts.
- Outcome Measurement: Clear strategy for measuring and reporting clean-up outcomes.
- Storytelling Skills: Ability to share and inspire through storytelling.
Do I need to be a member of the Girl Up community to apply?
No, you do not need prior involvement with Girl Up to apply. However, you do need to be someone between the ages of 13 and 24 and who identifies as a girl, young woman, or gender non-conforming youth
I am experiencing technical difficulties with the application (e.g. I can’t log in to my application, etc.)?
For all technical questions and support please email awards@girlup.org.
What if I have more questions?
Please email awards@girlup.org.
Testimonial from a shoreline cleanup leader
“Before starting our monthly Shoreline Cleanups I was quite upset by the amount of litter, especially styrofoam, that I would see in our local parks and around my neighborhood. Ducks swimming around and dodging styrofoam was my breaking point. So, I got my friends together and we cleaned up our first shoreline. We have been hooked ever since! 2 weeks ago, we completed our 17th clean-up and retrieved over 40 pounds of litter otherwise headed back into the Fraser River and then the Pacific Ocean. As a small group, our cleanup club is the most rewarding contribution to our planet we can make on a regular basis.”
Nikki, Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup Leader, @itsnaturallynikki & @fraserrivercleanupclub
