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A Miracle in New Jersey

From: Pat Maxwell
Series: December 2006 - Isla Earth Radio Series
Length: 01:34

About 20 years ago, New Jersey's filthy beaches were the butt of jokes. The medical wastes and other garbage that washed up onshore were forcing long and frequent beach closures. Read the full description.

Piece Audio

Playing: A Miracle in New Jersey
From: Pat Maxwell

Default-piece-image-1 About 20 years ago, New Jersey's filthy beaches were the butt of jokes. The medical wastes and other garbage that washed up onshore were forcing long and frequent beach closures. Today, the New Jersey coast is an inspiring success story. Beaches are rarely closed, and the shores are no longer littered with garbage. How did it happen? The state passed laws that track medical waste back to the facility that dumped it. They also strengthened regulations on toxic waste disposal. The group Clean Ocean Action organized business, environmental, and educational groups to clean up the beaches and monitor polluters. The group also helped create a federal law that closed ocean dumping sites in New Jersey. Today, thousands of volunteers participate in beach cleanups every year. They also track the sources of pollution, forcing would-be polluters to take responsibility for the safe disposal of their own wastes. Now, with some of the cleanest beaches in the country, there?s just no more talkin? trash about Jersey ? so fagetaboutit! Capish?

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Piece Description

About 20 years ago, New Jersey's filthy beaches were the butt of jokes. The medical wastes and other garbage that washed up onshore were forcing long and frequent beach closures. Today, the New Jersey coast is an inspiring success story. Beaches are rarely closed, and the shores are no longer littered with garbage. How did it happen? The state passed laws that track medical waste back to the facility that dumped it. They also strengthened regulations on toxic waste disposal. The group Clean Ocean Action organized business, environmental, and educational groups to clean up the beaches and monitor polluters. The group also helped create a federal law that closed ocean dumping sites in New Jersey. Today, thousands of volunteers participate in beach cleanups every year. They also track the sources of pollution, forcing would-be polluters to take responsibility for the safe disposal of their own wastes. Now, with some of the cleanest beaches in the country, there?s just no more talkin? trash about Jersey ? so fagetaboutit! Capish?