San Diego's first beach toy borrow box tackles plastic waste

OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Sand toys left behind on the beach can be swept into the ocean by rising tides. Once in the water, plastic toys break down until eventually becoming microplastics--or even smaller nanoplastics.

Plastic waste is endangering both the planet and human health.

Microplastics have been found throughout the human body, including in lungs and blood, according to the Surfrider Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's oceans and beaches. Meanwhile, an estimated 11 million tons of plastic enter ocean waters every year, and if this trend continues, the total weight of plastic pollution in the ocean could exceed the total weight of all fish in the ocean by 2050--just 25 years away. 

From a broken bucket near a collapsing sandcastle to a turtle mold stuck in seaweed, plastic toys commonly get left behind. In fact, it’s rare not to come across at least one during a walk on the San Diego shoreline, Surfrider's San Diego Chapter said. 

Lauren Silver, a San Diego Girl Scout and high school junior, is fighting back against plastic pollution. She recently reached out to Surfrider San Diego with a project idea that was exactly what many had envisioned but hadn’t been able to achieve--a sand toy borrow box in Oceanside. 

“Take a toy, leave a toy” bins are common on the East Coast, but few exist in California. Until now, there hasn’t been one in San Diego. 

Over the years, Surfrider San Diego volunteers and others have discussed the possibility of installing borrow boxes on local beaches. However, conversations with city staff members in Oceanside led nowhere until recently, Surfrider San Diego said.

So, when Silver emailed San Diego's Chapter to ask for assistance with a sand toy borrow box for her Gold Award project, the nonprofit’s Rise Above Plastics co-lead Janis Jones happily agreed to be her official advisor. 

Before building and painting the wooden box to resemble a treasure chest, Silver drafted a detailed plan, designed the sign, collaborated with a printer to fabricate the sign on metal and got approval from the city.

"I wanted to do this project because I’ve always loved the beach and have seen how many plastic toys get left behind. My hope is that these boxes will reduce waste, protect sea life, and bring the community together," Silver said. "I’m excited to inspire other cities to install boxes and join the effort to protect our oceans." 

San Diego's first beach toy borrow box is located on The Strand across from Betty’s Lot and south of the children’s play structure near the Oceanside Pier. Surfrider said it’s the perfect spot, thanks to the high foot traffic along the sidewalk and between the parking lot and the beach. 

The box instantly received positive feedback from the community. As soon as it was put in place, beachgoers expressed their gratitude and began filling it. Surfrider San Diego said beachgoers were overheard saying things like: "What a great idea," "Now when I come to Oceanside for vacation, I won't have to buy beach toys!" and "I always find toys when I'm here. Now I have a proper place to leave them. Thank you!"

Silver will visit elementary schools in October to inform students about her project, explain how to use the box, teach them about the impact of plastic pollution, and inspire them to care about protecting the ocean. 

Surfrider San Diego volunteers, including Jones, will regularly check the box to collect date on the number of toys in the box, whether litter has been placed in the box or if the box has been damaged. Early observations suggest that it is already making a positive impact.

Not only does the box reduces plastic waste, it also promotes coastal stewardship. Plus, it brings joy to the community--especially to the children given the opportunity to enjoy new toys.

For those interested in advocating for a sand toy borrow box in a San Diego beach community, contact Jones at rap@sandiego.surfrider.org.