More than 20 Holland America Line employees stepped away from their offices and headed to Seattle’s waterfront for an afternoon of environmental work.
Working alongside Puget Soundkeeper, the volunteers collected 103 pounds, or nearly 47 kilograms, of trash from Myrtle Edwards Park and beaches surrounding Elliott Bay.
The waste will now be properly disposed of rather than potentially entering Puget Sound and the wider marine environment.
“Small actions can make a meaningful difference when we come together in support of the communities we call home and where our ships sail,” Holland America Line said.
The cleanup took place near the cruise line’s Seattle headquarters and one of its most important homeports. Holland America has a long connection with Seattle, particularly through its Alaska cruise operation.
Puget Soundkeeper has worked to protect the waters of Puget Sound since 1990. The organization patrols local waterways, investigates possible pollution and works with residents, businesses and government agencies to promote cleaner water.
Trash left along urban shorelines can eventually be carried into the water by rain, wind and tides. Once in the marine environment, plastics and other waste can break into smaller pieces that are difficult to remove.
The cleanup gave Holland America employees an opportunity to make a practical contribution to the community where many of them live and work.
Congratulations to the volunteers who helped remove 103 pounds of waste from Seattle’s waterfront.
