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The next time you crack open that plastic-bottled beverage or forget your reusable shopping bag at home remember this: Out there in the Pacific Ocean is a swirling mass of trash the size of Texas. We all want to be part of something larger, but contributing garbage to the Pacific Trash Gyre is not the way to do it.
Instead, join Planet Green on our quest to keep debris out of the water and celebrate our precious water resources.
Take part in the Ban the Bags, Butts and Bottles Challenge by sharing your "Blue August" memories. Submit photos of your favorite beach moments and they may be featured on our site in slideshows that capture our audience's most striking imagery.
The submissions from Planet Green readers will be uploaded throughout the month, and many entries will be selected as feature picks of the week. You can also enter our sweepstakes for a chance to win a solar panel backpack made from recycled soda bottles. It collects energy throughout the day and can power a laptop or other electronic gadgets.
Stay tuned for more information and featured photos and videos. Meanwhile, get inspired with our special slideshows:
An Ocean of Inspiration: Images and a special video of awe-inspiring ocean life.
Marine Litter: Devastating images of the destructive power of human-made debris in our oceans and waterways.
More on Ending Marine Litter:
What's Your Oceans IQ?
10 Ways to Protect Our Beaches
G-Word: Pacific Ocean Trash Vortex
Blue August: Make A Difference
