Eco-Friendly Oyster Recycling Event Unites Volunteers in North Charleston

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – Eco-Friendly Oyster Recycling Event Kicks Off

Nobody really thinks about the little things that make our local waters healthy, right? Well, if you were in North Charleston on Tuesday, you’d find volunteers dedicated to cleaning up our shores by recycling oyster shells! It’s not just a great way to help the environment, it’s also a fun get-together for folks in the community.

Charleston Waterkeeper, a local organization that focuses on protecting our waterways, hosted their very first weekly oyster recycling event. Partnering with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and their Oyster Recycling and Enhancement Program, volunteers took to sorting through oyster shells along with various bits of trash and debris. And let me tell you, some of the items they found were quite unexpected. Think saltine cracker wrappers, forks, and even hot sauce containers!

Collaboration for a Cause

Cheryl Carmack-Smith, the programs director of Charleston Waterkeeper, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We love working with the DNR SCORE Program because they are doing so much good work for our waterways and oyster reefs.” She emphasized that it’s crucial to recycle as many shells as possible while also removing trash that shouldn’t be there. But don’t think this is a one-time affair – it’s an ongoing effort!

Many of the volunteers have been coming together for over a year now. For them, it’s not just about the task at hand; it’s about the connections being made and the lovely ambiance that comes with it. Bill Donaldson, one of the volunteers, shared his motivation: “Being in the Lowcountry – I love the ocean, the water – my house is right off the water. It’s important to have our creeks and tidal areas maintained and keep them from being eroded.”

A Busy Season Ahead

October marks the kickoff of the shellfish harvesting season, and it’s just the beginning of sorting through those shells. During a typical event, volunteers manage to get through only a single thin layer of the collected shells – something that explains the need for weekly sessions. “We have a lot of shells to get through,” Carmack-Smith added, “So, this is why it’s important we do this every week, so we can slowly make a dent.” Once cleaned, the shells are stored, ready to be replanted in the water next summer.

To highlight the importance of this initiative, the local mayor, William Cogswell, even proclaimed October 22 as Oyster Recycling Day. If you’re curious about where to drop off your oyster shells, the SCDNR has created a helpful map for residents.

Join the Cause!

This recycling event not only helps in cleaning up our waterways but also educates everyone about the environmental impact of waste. If you share a love for the water and take pride in your community, why not join in the fun? There’s an unmistakable satisfaction that comes from pitching in and making a difference – one oyster shell at a time. So next time you enjoy oysters, remember they play a pivotal role in our ecosystem, and we have a collective responsibility to keep our waterways clean!

As we gear up for Halloween and other festivities, let’s not forget to lend a hand in maintaining the natural beauty of our surroundings. Who knew recycling could be such a wonderful community affair? Come on out, enjoy good company, and make a difference!