Baja’s Beach Cleanup Makes Waves for Everyone

Baja’s Coastline Gets a Cleanup—and It Tastes Better Too

Turns out, a little beach cleanup goes a long way.

This Tuesday, July 1st, Playa Hermosa in Ensenada wasn’t just sun and sand—it was gloves, trash bags, and a team effort. State Secretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture (SEPESCA BC), Alma Rosa García Juárez, showed up with her crew for a cleanup event organized as part of the National Week Against Sanitary Risks.

And they weren’t alone. Red Cross volunteers also joined the effort, rolling up their sleeves to help clear the coast.

From Sand to Seafood

Alma Rosa didn’t just show up for a photo op. She’s been vocal about how clean beaches create a ripple effect—benefiting everything from marine life to food safety.

Her team reminded everyone that clean sand means cleaner water, which is key for aquaculture. That’s especially true for shellfish like oysters, mussels, and clams—aka the pride of local seafood culture. When the water’s dirty, so is the product. Nobody wants plastic-flavored ceviche.

Floating trash and microplastics don’t just look gross—they release toxins, upset the pH of the water, and open the door for harmful bacteria. The result? Bad news for both fish and fishermen.

Trash-Free = Tourist-Ready

Beyond the seafood, there’s tourism. Because let’s be honest: no one’s booking an Airbnb next to a trash heap.

Baja’s already blessed with great weather. Add a sparkling coastline, and you’ve got a spot that sells itself. Clean beaches attract more visitors, boost local business, and keep the “Baja magic” alive.

This isn’t just about looking good—it’s about living better. As Alma Rosa said, a clean ecosystem reflects a healthy, inspired community.

Global Goals, Local Wins

There’s also the bigger picture. Beach cleanups tie directly into the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda—specifically climate action and marine life preservation. Who knew tossing a bottle in the right bin could help save the planet?

During the Playa Hermosa cleanup, Alma Rosa met with local leaders including COFEPRIS, the Baja State Health Department, and Ensenada’s ecology team. Their message was clear: clean beaches are a shared job—with shared benefits.

And with Red Cross volunteers pitching in too, it’s proof that Baja cares—from its officials to its citizens.

#Photo courtesy of SEPESCA BC, taken during the July 1st cleanup at Playa Hermosa—because protecting the ocean starts with cleaning up the shore.

What You Can Do

  • Don’t ghost your garbage. Take it with you.
  • Support recycling efforts. Even if it’s not glamorous.
  • Join the next cleanup. It’s cheaper than therapy and better for the ocean.

Clean beaches mean better seafood, healthier oceans, and a brighter Baja. Let’s keep the coast clear.

🟣 No Bad News. Just the news that matters.

Waves of Love: Kids With Disabilities Ride in Rosarito

Rosarito’s most heartwarming tradition is making its way back to shore. After weeks of uncertainty, the beloved surf therapy sessions for children with disabilities are officially returning to Raul’s Beach starting May 31—and they’re bringing big smiles and even bigger waves.

The nonprofit behind this feel-good project, Olas Para Todos (Waves for Everyone), has been giving kids the chance to catch waves and confidence for over a decade. Spearheaded by Carlos Luna, the group pairs children and teens with expert volunteers who guide them safely into the ocean for what many call life-changing therapy.

Although Raul’s Beach, located near Kilometer 42 in Primo Tapia, has been closed off to the general public, the landowners have graciously agreed to open it for these monthly sessions through November.

Photo: Example of activities in the event

The first event will accommodate 40 participants, ages six and up. And here’s the kicker—it’s all free. From wetsuits to boards, everything is provided. Parents only need to sign up through the association’s social media pages.

This year, the organization is stepping up its safety game with help from a local paramedic school, ensuring more support both on land and in the water. And now that Olas Para Todos is officially registered as an association, it can receive donations—helping expand a program that already touches the lives of 350 to 400 kids annually.

Luna says the group is also hoping to rally support from the local government, including councilman Fidel Ortiz Mendoza, who heads up the Disability and Inclusion Committee.

With a fresh wave of backing and plenty of heart, Rosarito’s surf therapy program isn’t just back—it’s stronger than ever.

Want to donate, volunteer, or register your child? Look up Olas Para Todos on Facebook and be part of the magic.

Ensenada’s New Recycling Initiative: Turning Plastic Bottles into New Bottles

Ensenada is stepping up big time in the fight against plastic waste. On Friday, May 9, local officials and Coca-Cola México celebrated the grand opening of the new PetStar Collection Center, a project that could help keep up to 52 million plastic bottles a year out of landfills, the ocean, and just about everywhere they shouldn’t be.

The idea is simple but powerful: collect bottles here in Ensenada, send them off to PetStar’s state-of-the-art recycling facility in Toluca, and turn them into brand-new bottles—all without adding a single ounce of new plastic to the planet.

Jaime Cámara, founder and CEO of PetStar, explained that the bottles will be converted into food-grade recycled resin. That resin will then be used by Corporación del Fuerte, one of Coca-Cola’s bottling partners, to produce new bottles. The goal? A closed-loop system with zero carbon footprint and zero need for new plastic.

It’s a big win for Baja California’s environment and a proud moment for Ensenada, which is now part of one of the largest food-grade recycling efforts in Latin America.

This move isn’t just about cleanup—it’s about transformation. That empty soda bottle you toss into a bin today could be back on a store shelf tomorrow, fresh and ready for another round. It’s smart, sustainable, and exactly the kind of forward-thinking the world needs more of.

Recycling just got a lot more real—and a lot more local.

Ensenada Beaches Get the Green Light for Fun in the Sun

Good news for beach bums, sun lovers, and margarita sippers: all Ensenada beaches are officially safe for recreational use, just in time for that post-Easter tan.

According to the latest test results from Mexico’s Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (aka COFEPRIS—because why use one word when you can use six?), the water quality is looking squeaky clean. The beaches clocked in well below the 200 enterococci per 100 milliliters threshold. Translation: you can swim without worrying about bacteria crashing your beach party.

Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz made the announcement, highlighting that popular spots like Playa Hermosa, La Joya, Monalisa, La Misión, and Playa Pacífica (which covers El Ciprés, Conalep 1 and 2) are all good to go.

Of course, the city’s firefighters’ aquatic division will still be on watch, and the mayor kindly reminded beachgoers to actually listen to their instructions. You know, for your own safety and so we don’t end up with a Baywatch episode gone wrong.

If you’re the type who needs to see the receipts, you can check the full report here:

👉 COFEPRIS Beach Monitoring – Semana Santa 2025

So grab your towel, your shades, and your best “I swear I remembered sunscreen” outfit—Ensenada’s beaches are open and waiting.

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