Santa Barbara Nonprofits & Charities: Heal the Ocean
Welcome to our latest blog series! Over the next four weeks, we will highlight Santa Barbara nonprofits and charities that are close to our hearts. At the David Kim Group, we are passionate about giving back and aim to bring awareness to the incredible work these local organizations do for our community and environment.
Heal the Ocean: Fighting for a Cleaner Ocean for All
As SB locals and outdoor lovers, we’re always looking for ways to help preserve and maintain the health of our land and ocean. We even hosted a beach cleanup this past June to reduce ocean pollution and waste. So this week, we will be showcasing Heal the Ocean, a nonprofit focused on wastewater infrastructure and ocean dumping practices that have contributed to ocean pollution. From capping leaking oil-wells to Styrofoam recycling and cleanup orders, Heal the Ocean is dedicated to fighting for a cleaner ocean for all.
Formed in 1998, Heal the Ocean was organized by journalist Hillary Hauster and attorney Jeff Young after calls to action and demonstrations from the community in response to the closing of local beaches due to bacteria. In its first years, HTO utilized DNA testing to identify and reduce ocean contamination, raised funds for local sewer engineering studies, and removed septic systems from 7 miles of the Santa Barbara south coast. More recently, HTO implemented programs that successfully worked to upgrade wastewater treatment plants in initiating water studies, started a doggy bag sponsorship program, and created a beach cleanup program.
Today, Heal the Ocean’s work contributes to a wide range of causes including wastewater & recycling, homeless camps, pollution, sea level rise, septic systems, groundwater, and beached boats. HTO also regularly collaborates with the City, Regional, and State Governments on key infrastructure projects that remove pollution sources from the ocean. HTO’s positive impact has been felt in our community as well as others, with many of their methods now serving as a model for other coastal communities across the country.
Click Here to learn more about Heal the Ocean and Here to donate! If you’re interested in volunteering in their annual benefit or beach cleanups, Click Here. Your support will help directly to reduce pollution from our oceans, and keep our beautiful city healthy and happy for years to come.
