
it's time to
STAND UP TO TRASH
Empower local communities to protect our environment by fostering awareness, inspiring action, and providing solutions for waste prevention, cleanup, and community education. 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


HOW YOU CAN HELP
One of our most common questions is "How can I help?"
It's as simple as...
- Taking part in our beach cleanups
- Donating to our efforts
- Becoming an ambassador!
- Picking up trash whenever you see it
- Become a Member!
Whatever your preferred way of joining the movement, we appreciate your efforts to support our oceans.
Recent Awards
A Proud Moment!
Vicki Patterson was honored with two awards from Assemblywoman Laurie Davies — Woman of the Year and Excellence in Environmental Stewardship—recognizing her outstanding dedication and impact.


We’re honored to celebrate Vicki Patterson, who was recognized by Supervisor Katrina Foley with the Women Making a Difference Award—an acknowledgment of her inspiring leadership and lasting impact on our environment and 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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