it's time to
STAND UP TO TRASH
Protect our ocean by raising awareness of the harmful impact of plastic pollution through environmental education that empowers future generations.
Through our four pillars—Prevention, Removal, Education & Awareness and Community Engagement, we work to create a healthier planet for future generations.
100+ Million
Marine animals die each year from plastic ingestion and entanglement
51
Trillion
Pieces of plastic in our oceans
51,000,000,000,000
500+
Ocean "dead zones" where no life can survive
1
Earth for Us to Protect
Press Play and Dive Into Our Story!
This video brings to life the heart of our programs from beach cleanups to youth adventures on
the water and shows how every small effort helps protect the ocean we all love.
Dana Point Earns Clean California Community Designation
Dana Point has officially been recognized as a Clean California Community, becoming one of the first of 30 communities in California to receive this designation through Caltrans' Clean California initiative.
This recognition celebrates more than a clean city it reflects a community-wide commitment to preventing litter, protecting our environment and inspiring others to care for the places we all call home.
Stand Up To Trash was proud to partner with the City of Dana Point in helping achieve this milestone through ongoing community cleanups, environmental education, volunteer engagement and public awareness initiatives.
Together, we worked to meet the program's criteria by reducing litter, educating youth and residents, building partnerships, tracking progress and encouraging lasting community involvement.
While this designation recognizes the efforts of the City and local organizations, it also belongs to every volunteer who has spent a morning cleaning a beach, every student who has learned that the ocean starts at their front door, every family who has chosen to pick up litter and every community member who believes that even the smallest actions can make a difference.
We are incredibly grateful to the City of Dana Point, our community partners, elected officials and the thousands of volunteers who have supported this journey.
Their collaboration, enthusiasm and commitment have helped make Dana Point a leader in California's growing Zero Litter movement.
This designation isn't the finish line it's the beginning of the next chapter.
We remain committed to inspiring environmental awareness, empowering our community through education and working together to ensure Dana Point remains a place we're all proud to call home.
Together, we're proving that when a community comes together with purpose and care, extraordinary things can happen.
Download Our 2025 Impact Report
HOW YOU CAN HELP
One of our most common questions is “How can I make a difference?” 🌊
The answer is—you can start today, for the ocean and for your health!
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Join a beach cleanup and see the difference your hands can make.
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Reduce your daily plastic use—protecting not only marine life but also your own health from harmful microplastics.
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Donate to power our programs and expand our reach.
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Become an Ambassador and inspire your community to live plastic-wise.
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Pick up trash whenever you see it—every piece matters.
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Become a Member and be part of lasting change.
Every action you take protects our oceans, our wildlife, and our own well-being. Together, we can turn the tide, starting now! 💙
Awards&Recognition
2026
Woman of the Year
Assemblywoman Laurie Davies honored Stand Up To Trash Founder Vicki Patterson as Woman of the Year, recognizing her continued leadership, dedication to environmental education, and service to the community.
2025
Women Making a Difference Award
Supervisor Katrina Foley recognized Vicki Patterson with the Women Making a Difference Award for her inspiring leadership and lasting impact on our environment and community.
Woman of the Year
Assemblywoman Laurie Davies honored Vicki Patterson as Woman of the Year for her dedication to protecting our coastline through environmental education, community engagement, and volunteer action.
Excellence in Environmental Stewardship
Assemblywoman Laurie Davies also presented Vicki Patterson with the Excellence in Environmental Stewardship Award, recognizing her commitment to inspiring positive environmental action throughout the community.
Volunteer of the Quarter!
We are excited to announce that our Founder Vicki Patterson has been recognized by Mayor Joseph Muller and the City Council of Dana Point by honoring her with a Certificate of Recognition as Volunteer of the Quarter.
The team here at Stand Up To Trash is continuously motivated by the dedication and love that Vicki Patterson has towards keeping our beaches and ocean clean. This recognition was possible by the outreach and open arms this community has shown us.
The Dana Point Harbor Partners commissioned artists Joel Dean Stockdill and Yustina Salnikova
to create this stunning sculpture using recycled plastic.
We’re proud to have contributed the “barnacles” on the whale, crafted from plastic bottles
collected during our cleanups.
It’s an honor to be part of such a meaningful and impactful work of art
that brings awareness through creativity.
Be The Change
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