California's coastline is large and heavily trafficked. As the third largest state in land area covering 158,693 square miles, California's coastline is 1,264 miles long. With a population estimated at over 36 million, approximately 1 in 8 Americans are in California; within a relatively short distance from the coastline.

The National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates that 60-80 percent of all marine debris originates from land-based sources. There is no easy fix; however, there are many ways that we can confront this problem at its source. California beaches are themselves a contributor because of the millions of beach visitors annually. Trash may also be dumped directly into the ocean by recreational and commercial boaters.

In an effort to keep California state beaches clean, Keep California Beautiful is launching its first new public service announcement (PSA) in three years. The retro TV spot is designed to draw attention to the growing problem of beach litter and marine debris in a provocative way by urging people not to "trash the beach."

PSA Beach Litter Spot linked on YouTube

• Only take reusable items to the beach
• Can It to stop marine debris (litter) before it starts! Be sure to toss any trash into a bin and recycle what you can.
• Help clean up after by walking the tideline and surrounding area to pick up litter.