Matte PR returns to keep our beaches spotless

Last week, the Matte PR team hopped on the ferry to Toronto’s Centre Island Beach for our fifth annual beach cleanup, which turned into an inspiring day of environmental stewardship and team bonding. We picked up over 160 lbs of garbage, a new record for Matte PR! The event was more than just a day at the beach. It was also an opportunity to give back to the community and make a tangible difference in preserving the beauty of our Toronto Islands. The weather for this year’s beach clean-up was unusually humid and hazy, making for a cinematic atmosphere as we walked along the shoreline, scouring the sand for plastic bottles, food wrappers, and other debris that polluted the lake’s natural beauty.

Heidi Ruggier, CEO and Founder of Matte PR, says, “This year, we were struck by the amount of bottles and cans left on the beach, and this contributed to the large weight collected. There were three occasions when we emptied our bags because they were too heavy to carry, which was a first. We also found common litter like plastic straws, bottle caps, construction garbage and forgotten clothing. Over time, we see how impactful our annual cleanups are becoming in combating pollution accumulation and protecting local wildlife. Seeing the team’s enthusiasm and commitment was heartening, proving that small actions, when multiplied, can create a significant positive impact. We’re already looking forward to next year’s cleanup!”

Matte PR’s beach cleanup is part of our partnership with 1% for the Planet and Ocean Wise, and part of our 3% give back pledge called THE DEAL. Check out some of the unique items we picked up on Toronto’s Centre Island Beach this year!