On June 26, 2025, over 50 volunteers from the World Mission Society Church of God gathered at Punta Salinas Beach. Early that morning, they walked the sand with gloves and trash bags, collecting plastic waste for the global campaign.
Making a Difference at Punta Salinas
Punta Salinas, located in Toa Baja, is a popular public beach known for its calm waters and scenic views. Families often visit for picnics, swimming, and watching the sunset. It’s also home to local wildlife, including seabirds and small coastal species that are easily affected by pollution. Volunteers carefully removed both visible litter and smaller plastic pieces hidden among rocks and seaweed along the beach.
Families, students, and adults of all ages came together to remove plastic from the beach and raise awareness. By midday, they cleared about 300 pounds of debris, including bottles and snack wrappers, left by careless disposal and ocean currents.
The Impact of Plastic Pollution
The volunteers also set up simple, informative displays along the beach. These panels explained how plastic pollution affects marine life, ecosystems, and local communities. Plastic waste breaks down into microplastics, and fish and birds eat them before they end up in our food. It clogs waterways, damages coastal habitats, and poses health risks to both wildlife and people. Many beachgoers paused to read, ask questions, and reflect on how choices—like reusable bottles or skipping packaging—make differences.
Local officials joined the event, including James Ramos, Special Assistant to the Mayor of Toa Baja, and Luis Cruz, Administrator of the Punta Salinas and Isla de Cabras Parks. Luis Cruz shared gratitude, saying, “I give thanks to the Church of God, who carried out today’s plastic cleanup—a movement that’s literally happening worldwide across all their churches. They did an exceptional job.”
To view more volunteer events, please visit the activities page.