Trash in our rivers and lakes is more than an eyesore-it's a threat to the ecosystems we love. But paddlers are uniquely positioned to be part of the solution. In this inspiring session, Curtis Casto, founder of the Onion Bag Litter Prevention Project, shares how a simple mesh bag can transform any paddling trip into an act of stewardship. Learn how the project began, how it's grown into a grassroots movement, and how paddlers across the country are using onion bags to clean up waterways-one piece of litter at a time.
Curtis will also explore how individuals can spark collective action by forming river sweep groups-teams of paddlers who organize cleanups, build community, and make a lasting impact. Whether you're a solo paddler or part of a club, you'll leave with practical tools and inspiration to start your own cleanup crew and help protect the places you paddle. One person really can make a difference-and that difference can ripple outward in powerful ways.