Based on your type of beach, your role in maintaining it, and your goals for it, you may or may not be interested in actively attracting more visitors to your beaches. If you’re more concerned with just getting the beach clean and calling it a day, then we recommend you continue on to learning about how to set up a beach cleaning program to combat micro plastics.
However, if, like many resorts or tourism-supported beach businesses, you’re interested in leveraging your cleanup efforts to attract and maintain customers, we put together this bonus section for you.
Why Your Cleanup Efforts Could Be a Powerful Part of Your Marketing Strategy
Cleaning your beach isn’t just about environmental responsibility—it’s an opportunity to enhance your reputation, attract eco-conscious visitors, and position your beach as a premium destination.
By actively promoting your microplastic cleanup efforts, you can:
✔ Build trust and credibility with tourists and the local community.
✔ Differentiate your beach from competitors with a sustainability edge.
✔ Strengthen partnerships with local businesses, environmental groups, and tourism boards.
✔ Increase positive word-of-mouth and online reviews.
Step 1: Craft Your Beach’s Environmental Story
People don’t just want facts—they want stories that resonate.
Instead of simply stating that you clean up microplastics, frame your efforts in a way that connects with visitors:
- “We’re on a mission to keep our beach pristine for future generations.”
- “By tackling microplastic pollution, we’re protecting the beauty and safety of our coastline.”
- “When you visit our beach, you’re stepping onto one of the cleanest, best-maintained shorelines in the region.”
What Story Do You Want to Tell?
Do you want to highlight your commitment to:
🌱 Eco-tourism & sustainability?
🌊 Preserving marine life & protecting ecosystems?
🏖 Providing the cleanest, most enjoyable beach experience?
Choose a message that aligns with your beach’s brand identity and audience values.
Step 2: Use Social Media to Showcase Your Efforts
Social proof is powerful. People trust what they see online, so make sure they’re seeing the best version of your beach.
What to Post On Social Media
📸 Before-and-after photos – Show visible improvements over time.
🎥 Short video clips – Document cleanup efforts in action.
🌍 Eco-facts & statistics – Educate followers on the importance of microplastic removal.
🙌 Volunteer spotlights – Feature local businesses, organizations, or tourists who help out.
🏆 Recognition posts – Celebrate milestones (e.g., “500 lbs of microplastics removed this season!”).
Example Instagram Caption:
🚨 Did you know microplastics are one of the biggest threats to beach ecosystems? We’re tackling this issue head-on with regular cleanups and sustainable practices. Join us in keeping [Beach Name] one of the cleanest, most beautiful shorelines in [Location]! 🌊♻️ #CleanBeaches #EcoTourism
Step 3: Feature Your Efforts On Your Website
Your website is the first stop for many potential visitors—make sure they know your beach is a clean, eco-conscious destination.
Key Website Updates to Make:
✔ Add a dedicated “Sustainability” or “Beach Cleanliness” page explaining your efforts.
✔ Highlight partnerships with environmental organizations.
✔ Post blog updates about recent cleanups and environmental wins.
✔ Include an FAQ addressing visitor concerns about microplastic pollution.
✔ Add a seal or badge (“Certified Clean Beach” or “Eco-Friendly Beach Initiative”).
Step 4: Get Media Coverage & Press Attention
Local and travel news outlets love covering positive environmental efforts. Leverage PR to spread the word about your beach’s commitment to cleanliness.
How to Get Featured in the Media
📢 Send a Press Release – Announce new sustainability initiatives or major cleanup events.
📩 Reach Out to Travel Bloggers & Influencers – Offer them a tour to showcase your clean beach.
📺 Connect with Local News Stations – Invite them to cover your cleanup events.
🏆 Apply for Environmental Awards & Certifications – Boost credibility and visibility.
Headline Example for a Press Release:
🏖 [Beach Name] Launches Eco-Clean Beach Initiative to Combat Microplastic Pollution 🌊
Step 5: Engage Visitors & Encourage Advocacy
Your visitors are your best marketers. Give them easy ways to participate and share your message.
Ideas for Visitor Engagement
✔ Create a Beach Cleanup Challenge – Offer discounts or free perks for those who participate.
✔ Encourage Visitors to Share Photos – Feature the best ones on your website and social media.
✔ Develop a Hashtag Campaign – e.g., #CleanBeach[Location] or #Keep[BeachName]Pristine.
✔ Partner with Local Businesses – Restaurants, hotels, and tour companies can promote your efforts to their customers.
Step 6. Track and Celebrate Your Impact
Regularly sharing real results builds trust and momentum for your cleanup efforts.
Metrics to Track and Promote
📊 Pounds of microplastics removed.
🏅 Number of volunteer hours contributed.
🌎 Environmental impact (e.g., “We’ve removed the equivalent of 50,000 plastic bottles this year!”).
At the end of each season, publish a Beach Cleanliness Report on your website and social media—showcasing your achievements keeps your audience engaged and invested.
The Takeaway: Clean Beaches Are Marketable Beaches
A pristine beach isn’t just a beautiful beach—it’s a profitable one.
By actively promoting your cleanup efforts, you:
✔ Attract more visitors who value sustainability.
✔ Gain positive PR and media exposure.
✔ Build a stronger community around your beach.
✔ Differentiate yourself from less environmentally proactive competitors.
Sustainability sells. Make sure your audience knows your beach is one of the cleanest, most well-maintained destinations out there.
Next Steps: Start Your Beach Cleaning Program Today!
Now that you understand the value beach cleaning can have on your bottom line and are equipped with strategies to leverage it, learn how you can start your own beach cleaning program to combat microplastics on your beach.
