The numbers have gone well beyond sobering.

Every year, millions of metric tons of plastic waste enter Earth’s waterways, contributing to the 5 trillion pieces that already litter both the surface and the depths of our oceans. It’s estimated that the deep sea bed already contains some 4 billion plastic microfibers per square kilometer.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that activist organizations around the world are taking a leading role in helping to repair and reverse the damage.

On November 4, Lime teamed up with members of one such group, the Surfrider Foundation, to spend a day cleaning Southern California’s Ocean Beach. Together with more than 200 local volunteers, participants scoured the shores of one of San Diego’s most vibrant coastal communities to collect and properly dispose of as much garbage as they could find.

“Putting sustainability at the forefront of our operations means more than just delivering on the promise of carbon-free urban mobility,” said Matt Anton, Lime Operations Manager in San Diego. “From Sunset Cliffs to Dog Beach, we’re grateful to serve the amazing Ocean Beach Community and thrilled that Lime was able to assist in keeping the coast clean.”

Lime employees were in attendance at the event, both participating in the cleanup efforts and providing information on safe electric scooter riding habits. In all, more than 150lbs/68kg of waste were collected, including 22lbs/10kg of plastic material that was brought to a nearby recycling facility.

“We were stoked to share this event with Lime and give our volunteers the opportunity to learn about a greener way to travel,” said Roberta Reilly, Beach Cleanup Coordinator of Surfrider Foundation San Diego County. “Thanks to Lime for supporting this cleanup and supporting our overall mission: To protect and enjoy our oceans, waves and beaches!”

Lime’s partnership with the Surfrider Foundation is the latest in a series of sustainability-focused initiatives taking place in Southern California. Last month, the company reported that riders in San Diego helped raise more than $6,000.00 for the Climate Action Campaign through the Lime Hero donation program.

To learn more about environmental initiatives happening throughout the micromobility industry, including the recently-released Paris Sustainability Report, subscribe to 2nd Street, or download the Lime app to take an electric scooter ride in San Diego today.