Cleaning New Jersey Waterways
My goal with Clean Jersey Waterways is to help restore New Jersey lakes while engaging with and building community. I want to help remove as much debris and litter from lakes throughout New Jersey to help ensure we have clean New Jersey waterways.
About Me
My name is John and I am the creator of Clean Jersey Waterways, a community that cleans lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water throughout New Jersey. I have started this mission because I wanted to be able to go fishing or kayaking without seeing litter. My goal is to create a large community of engaged people who want to help our environment while making our world more beautiful.
New Jersey Waterways
The Problem: Over 75% of New Jersey lakes are on the NJDEP list of impaired waterbodies. Submerged litter and large sunken debris decrease the dissolved oxygen levels of our waters putting more strain on our aquatic wildlife. The litter that is there may break down, creating microplastics and releasing chemicals. Sunken debris will stop the photosynthesis as the lakebed is no longer able to receive any sunlight (think about what happens when you leave a mat on your green lawn). Plastics floating in the water also create microbial biofilm which house E. Coli colonies. We need a dedicated, consistent, and thought out plan on how to remove decades of litter.
The Solution: Clean Jersey Waterways will take a systematic approach to cleaning out lakes throughout New Jersey. I utilizes kayaks and waders to clean out litter and debris from hard to reach areas. I will be spending as much time as I can cleaning lakes, sorting out the trash, creating engaging content, hosting events, and more.
The Goal: Reach as many people as I can through my social medias, networking at events, and speaking with the public while I'm out cleaning. Long-term I would like to start a non-profit, but for now my goal is to organize an event for 2027.
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Running Clean Jersey Waterways
I don't use a lot when I am out cleaning, but there are some essential items and wish list items.
Essential
-Gloves -Trash Bags -Grabbers -Shovels
Items I would like
-Dissolved Oxygen reader -Test kits and lab-Jon Boat-Tow Straps-Tripod-Camera
If you would like to support in any way, please feel free to visit my GoFundMe.
Goals
Cleanup
Organizing regular lake cleanups to reduce physical contaminants. Work with organizations to properly dispose of litter and test water quality.
Education
Releasing videos on social media raising awareness of the amount of litter in our waterways. Highlight impacts litter has and bring people together to help restore our lakes.
Restoration
Help repair the aquatic ecosystem by reducing bacteria levels and increasing dissolved oxygen.
Research
Monitoring water quality for dissolved oxygen and temperature.
Community
Building partnerships with local organizations for greater impact. Use our online platform to grow awareness.