Gross! You Won’t Believe The Things Found On NJ Beaches

NBCNewYork.com reported that data of trash collected on New Jersey beaches in 2018 was just released and some of the findings may surprise you.

The Clean Ocean Action is a "coalition of 125 active boating, business, community, conservation, diving, environmental, fishing, religious, service, student, surfing, and women's groups" whose goal is to clean up and protect the world's oceans.

NBC-New York says that more than 10,000 volunteers from COA cleaned up over 400,000 pieces of debris from the Jersey Shore last year.  82% of all of the items picked up were plastic, which includes bags, straws, and bottles.

Almost 5,500 balloons were picked up at the shore.  Balloons can be very dangerous to several animal species that call New Jersey their home.

Almost 300 baby diapers were collected (up 78% from 2017) and the number of condoms found was up over 50% year-to-year.  On a positive note, the amount of cigarette butts found decreased by almost 25%.

To check out some of the most unusual items found on the beaches, including the door from a portable restroom, a sex toy, a large lump of coal, a loaf of bread, and a kitchen sink, check out NBCNewYork.com.