With the start of summer, Lake Tahoe’s beaches are coming to life. As more people gather at the shoreline, the impact of every action becomes visible, and so do the solutions.

Each summer, League volunteers collect thousands of items left behind on Tahoe’s beaches. Even with their heroic effort, volunteers can’t keep Tahoe’s beaches clean by themselves. It takes all of us pitching in to leave the beach better than we found it.

There are easy and meaningful ways that you can be part of the solution. What you’ll get in return is a beautiful, clean beach for your next shoreline visit, and the satisfaction that you did your part to Keep Tahoe Blue.

Summer Crowds Bring More Than Towels

Most litter consists of single-use plastic bottles and caps, wrappers, food containers, and cigarette butts. When litter is left behind, it gradually makes its way to the Lake, impacting its clarity and diminishing the experience for all visitors.

The League’s approach is rooted in data and real-world impact. Our litter data, collected by volunteers and tracked on our Litter Data “Trashboard,” indicate that single-use plastics are consistently among the most frequently found items. Each plastic water bottle, straw, or wrapper properly disposed of, picked up by a stewardship-minded person, or avoided entirely in favor of reusable alternatives, is one less bit of pollution that could enter the Lake.

With support from partners like ECO-CLEAN Solutions and the innovative BEBOT beach-cleaning robot, we’re stopping pollution before it touches the water. Initiatives like our Tahoe Blue Beach program are combining hands-on cleanups with infrastructure upgrades, education, and enforcement to set a new standard for shoreline stewardship.

Clean Beaches Start with Smart Habits

You don’t have to be a beach-cleaning robot or an official Tahoe Blue Crew to make an impact. The best way to protect Tahoe’s beaches is to prevent litter at the source. You can make simple choices that matter.

• Bring reusable water bottles, utensils, straws, and tote bags for your day at the beach. Shop our Keep Tahoe Blue reusables collection for sustainable summer essentials that stand out.
• Avoid using single-use plastics whenever possible. South Lake Tahoe and Truckee have taken the lead with bans, but we all have a role in making the shift away from these all-too-common types of litter.
• Pack out what you pack in. And if you spot stray litter (even if it isn’t yours), grab it and place it inside a sealed trash can or dumpster. If the cans are full, take the trash home with you.
• Food scraps are dangerous for wildlife. Make sure it all goes in the trash, not buried in the sand or leaning against a trash can.
• Avoid the traffic. Carpool, ride your bike, or take other alternative transportation.
• Share what you know. Whether you’re with friends, family, or beachgoers, your example helps set the tone for a cleaner Tahoe.

Enjoy Tahoe, Then Give Back

Protecting the Lake starts with enjoying it responsibly. Whether you’re spending a day at the beach, paddling on the water, or just relaxing by the shore, you can help Keep Tahoe Blue:

• Volunteer at an upcoming cleanup event and see the difference you can make.
• Donate to support the League’s science-driven programs and help fund community cleanups, the Tahoe Blue Beach program, and hands-on stewardship.
• Beach responsibly. Choose reusables, pack out what you pack in, and encourage others to do the same.
• Stay connected: Follow @KeepTahoeBlue and share this blog with your community.

Your Choices Shape Tahoe’s Future

Every visit is an opportunity to leave Tahoe better than you found it. By making eco-friendly choices and supporting science-based solutions, you’re helping to protect the Lake for all, and for future generations.

Remember, your pristine Tahoe beach awaits…it’s up to you to keep it that way.