NORFOLK, Va. — At Haven Creek in Norfolk, dozens of volunteers spent Sunday morning clearing trash from the shoreline, but organizers say the impact goes far beyond what’s visible.

The cleanup, led by the student volunteer group ASEZ (Save the Earth from A to Z), is part of a broader effort known as the “Blue Carbon Movement,” which focuses on protecting coastal ecosystems that play a key role in storing carbon and maintaining water quality.

“Blue carbon is really what helps conserve our ecosystems,” said John Milby, a member of ASEZ. “If we do not help protect it, we will not be able to preserve our ecosystems for the future.”

Blue carbon refers to carbon captured and stored in coastal environments like marshes and wetlands. These ecosystems are critical not only for fighting climate change but also for supporting marine life and improving water conditions.

Milby said even small amounts of litter can have a significant impact.

“Picking up the plastic helps prevent that runoff into our water systems,” he said. “It pollutes the water and brings more plastic pollution into our watershed.”

Organizers say much of the debris collected during cleanups like this doesn’t originate in the water. Instead, it often comes from nearby roads and communities, carried by wind or washed into waterways through storm runoff.

“A lot of the trash really comes from just local drivers,” Milby explained. “It works its way over into the water system.”

The cleanup effort also connects to broader environmental work happening across Hampton Roads. Earlier this year, similar volunteer initiatives focused on shoreline restoration projects aimed at strengthening coastal resilience.

However, volunteers say restoration alone isn’t enough without continued maintenance.

Beyond environmental benefits, Milby says cleanups can also influence the overall health of a community in less obvious ways.

He pointed to the “broken windows theory,” a concept suggesting that visible signs of disorder, like litter or neglect, can contribute to increased crime.

“Where there are signs like litter, trash, and broken glass, it actually promotes more crime,” Milby said. “By carrying out events like this, it helps in hopes to prevent the crime in this local area.”

ASEZ, which operates globally, focuses on engaging young people in practical solutions to environmental challenges. Milby said events like Sunday’s cleanup highlight the role students can play in shaping the future.

“Even though we’re the youth, we truly are the future for tomorrow,” he said.

For those looking to help, Milby says small actions can still make a difference.

“Even just taking that extra step to recycle can really help the future of this world.”

Organizers say they plan to continue similar cleanups in the region, encouraging more community members to get involved in protecting local waterways.