{"id":599520,"date":"2025-02-07T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-07T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/?p=599520"},"modified":"2025-02-07T12:09:40","modified_gmt":"2025-02-07T17:09:40","slug":"help-toon-the-loon-save-the-shorelines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/my-missions\/help-toon-the-loon-save-the-shorelines\/","title":{"rendered":"Help Toon the Loon save the Shorelines!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Hey-ho! Yes, you! Yar an Earth Ranger, aren\u2019t ya?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The name\u2019s Toon, Toon the Loon! I\u2019m a shoreline enthusiast, fan of the environment, and the slickest loon there is!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ATK-Loon-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-599525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ATK-Loon-1.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ATK-Loon-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ATK-Loon-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ATK-Loon-1-560x420.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ATK-Loon-1-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ATK-Loon-1-265x198.jpg 265w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Super special shorelines!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Coastlines (also called shorelines) are vital environmental zones where land meets water, whether it&#8217;s a serene lake or the vast ocean. These areas are home to a wide variety of plants and animals. In fact, the Great Lakes contain more than 84% of North America\u2019s fresh surface water \u2013 that\u2019s a lot of water with shores surrounding it! <strong><em>Over 10,000 miles, in fact!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"699\" src=\"\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineSaver_BeachView-1-1024x699.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-599528\" style=\"width:762px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineSaver_BeachView-1-1024x699.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineSaver_BeachView-1-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineSaver_BeachView-1-236x160.jpg 236w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineSaver_BeachView-1-768x524.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineSaver_BeachView-1-1536x1048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineSaver_BeachView-1-2048x1397.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineSaver_BeachView-1-150x102.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineSaver_BeachView-1-218x150.jpg 218w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineSaver_BeachView-1-696x475.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineSaver_BeachView-1-1068x729.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineSaver_BeachView-1-1920x1310.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineSaver_BeachView-1-616x420.jpg 616w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, this beautiful place has its fair share of problems: plastic! Visitors to these areas sometimes leave behind litter, and rivers flowing into the Great Lakes might carry trash from the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Animals may mistake plastic for food and eat it, which can make them very sick. They can also get caught and injured in stray garbage. Even worse, litter can accidentally carry plants and animals to new places where they don\u2019t belong, causing problems for local habitats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Shoreline Savers to the rescue!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"714\" src=\"\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/Podcast_LoonPicture-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-599526\" style=\"width:500px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/Podcast_LoonPicture-1-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/Podcast_LoonPicture-1-1-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/Podcast_LoonPicture-1-1-768x548.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/Podcast_LoonPicture-1-1-150x107.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/Podcast_LoonPicture-1-1-696x497.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/Podcast_LoonPicture-1-1-588x420.jpg 588w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/Podcast_LoonPicture-1-1-100x70.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Isn\u2019t there something we can do about it? Absolutely! As a smart Earth Ranger, you can help fight the plastic problem in plenty of ways! Here are a few ideas to get you started:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"868\" src=\"\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineCleanup.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-599521\" style=\"width:500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineCleanup.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineCleanup-300x260.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineCleanup-768x667.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineCleanup-150x130.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineCleanup-696x604.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineCleanup-484x420.jpg 484w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>1)&nbsp;<strong>Use less plastic!<\/strong>&nbsp;Single-use plastics like straws and bags are a big problem. By cutting down on these, there will be less plastic polluting our waters and shorelines. Let\u2019s work together to cut plastic out of our lives! &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2)&nbsp;<strong>Go on a shoreline cleanup<em>.<\/em><\/strong>&nbsp;If everyone picked up just a few pieces of trash each time they visited, it would make a huge difference for animals and the planet. You can do a cleanup on your own, with your family or friends, or even as part of a bigger group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3)&nbsp;<strong>Do you<\/strong> r<strong>esearch!<\/strong>&nbsp;To help solve the problem, we need to understand it better. Read books, watch videos, or listen to podcasts to learn more about plastic pollution and how to stop it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4)&nbsp;<strong>Spread the word<\/strong><em>.<\/em>&nbsp;Share what you\u2019ve learned about plastic pollution with friends, family, and others. You can also donate to or volunteer with groups that clean up shorelines, and let people know about their work. Every little bit helps!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Get started now!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"715\" src=\"\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineCleanup2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-599523\" style=\"width:762px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineCleanup2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineCleanup2-300x215.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineCleanup2-768x549.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineCleanup2-150x107.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineCleanup2-696x498.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/ShorelineCleanup2-587x420.jpg 587w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The first thing you need for a coastal cleanup is\u2026a coast! Visit a local pond, lake, river, stream or ocean \u2013 they all count! Bring along an adult and some friends or family to help. Make sure to wear gloves to stay safe, and let grownups handle any sharp items. And if you see me on the shore, be sure to wave!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Want some more info? Check out the Earth Rangers app and accept the <strong>Shoreline Saver Mission<\/strong>. You\u2019ll find our handy <strong>How to Save a Shoreline<\/strong> guide, packed with helpful tips for organizing your own coastal cleanup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Give it a try \u2013 start by accepting the Shoreline Saver Mission in the Earth Rangers App. You\u2019ll get tons of helpful information, tips, and more to kick off your cleanup!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"314\" height=\"395\" src=\"\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shoreline-saver-brief-button.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58283\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shoreline-saver-brief-button.png 314w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shoreline-saver-brief-button-238x300.png 238w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 314px) 100vw, 314px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"209\" src=\"\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/honda-sponsor-plate-1024x209.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-599503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/honda-sponsor-plate-1024x209.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/honda-sponsor-plate-300x61.png 300w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/honda-sponsor-plate-768x156.png 768w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/honda-sponsor-plate-150x31.png 150w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/honda-sponsor-plate-696x142.png 696w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/honda-sponsor-plate-1068x218.png 1068w, https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/honda-sponsor-plate.png 1252w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hey-ho! Yes, you! Yar an Earth Ranger, aren\u2019t ya? The name\u2019s Toon, Toon the Loon! I\u2019m a shoreline enthusiast, fan of the environment, and the slickest loon there is! Super special shorelines! Coastlines (also called shorelines) are vital environmental zones where land meets water, whether it&#8217;s a serene lake or the vast ocean. These areas [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":136598,"featured_media":599526,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[931,586],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-599520","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-all","8":"category-my-missions"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/599520","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/136598"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=599520"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/599520\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":599529,"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/599520\/revisions\/599529"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/599526"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=599520"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=599520"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=599520"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}