Venice Beach is gearing up for an ambitious undertaking this Saturday, September 19, as organizers hope to host what could become the world's largest beach cleanup. The free event, scheduled from 4pm to 8pm at Lifeguard Tower 18, aims to draw over 2,000 volunteers to remove ocean debris and secure a new Guinness World Record.
What began as a smaller local initiative has since evolved into a significant community effort. The event is spearheaded by five Southern California eco-conscious brands: KOOK, Opolis Optics, OoMee, Deep Blue, and Akasha Superfoods. Each of these businesses approaches sustainability from a unique angle, with focuses ranging from ocean-safe skincare and natural-fiber streetwear to recycled eyewear, marine botanical supplements, and ocean-inspired beverages. They are joined by community partners like the Love Button Global Movement and Next Fun Thing, all working to create an accessible and engaging environment for environmental action.
To raise the event's profile, organizers have engaged in a spirited, 50-day campaign to recruit L.A. DJ Diplo to perform at the after-party. Their playful recruitment efforts have involved various attention-grabbing stunts, including "rolling in seaweed and stunt doubles to a giant shrimp costume." The organizers explain that their goal is "about more than just entertainment," noting that music has a way of bringing people together, and a good soundtrack could make cleaning up the coastline "even better."
Beyond the high-profile aspirations, the practical aspects of the cleanup are well-organized. The coastal science nonprofit 7Seas Collective will be on-site to oversee the data collection and sorting of all gathered debris. As volunteers bring in waste, it will be directed to a dedicated sorting tent for categorization, weighing, and proper distribution to recycling or disposal streams. This meticulous process is essential both for the official record attempt and for contributing valuable data on coastal pollution.
Participants can expect more than just a day of work; the event promises free food, drinks, and live music throughout the evening. While achieving an official Guinness World Record is a clear objective, organizers emphasize a broader mission: fostering long-term environmental stewardship and uniting people for the planet. Registration is free and open to all via Partiful, with advance sign-up encouraged to assist with official headcounts. However, walk-ins are also welcome to check in on-site at Tower 18. For anyone looking to contribute to the local coast and potentially be part of a record-breaking community effort, Venice Beach will be the place to be this Saturday.
