Earth Day Clean-up at Laguna de Tiscapa

Saturday, April 21st, in cooperation with partner organizations FONARE, Recicla Nica, and Comite Ballena Azul, and with assistance from the Nicaraguan army, we set out to clean up 2500 feet of shore along Laguna de Tiscapa.

	A volcanic lagoon in Nicaragua's capital city, Laguna de Tiscapa has ecological, historical, and sentimental significance for many Managuans. Thirty years ago, you could see families relaxing in the lagoon and children learning to swim. Today, unfortunately, it is contaminated with runoff and garbage.
	We were careful to separate the waste we collected on Saturday. Good solid waste management means recycling as much as possible. Plastic, aluminum, and other items of garbage don't disintegrate.
	The slopes of the lagoon were full of garbage when we started on Saturday. Most of the litter was comprised of plastic bags and straws from nearby eateries, market stalls, and the neighboring military hospital.
	Sad sight: floating solid waste clinging to the rocks and shores of the lagoon. Please remember to pick up your garbage and to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Do your part!
	Volunteers joined staff and friends of Paso Pacífico, FONARE, Recicla Nica, and Comite Ballena Azul to pick up garbage all day. We removed 18 cubic meters of trash. Thank you to everyone involved!