Dynamic father-son duo Glen and Cooper Alexander are calling on community members to change their attitudes towards littering.
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Glen and Cooper joined others for the Flynns Beach Clean Up Australia Day event on Sunday, March 1.
The event was hosted by Coastal Warriors Mid North Coast, where about 80 people registered to volunteer within the first hour and a half.
Young environmentalist Cooper has been a member of the Coastal Warriors since its inception in 2017. He said it's shocking to come across so much rubbish, particularly when it can be so harmful to the environment.
One of the items Cooper found was a syringe, which had been left near the stairs at Flynns Beach.
Cooper's father Glen said unfortunately the mindset for a lot of people is "out of sight out of mind".
The duo are calling on people to dispose of their rubbish in the appropriate manner.
They would also like to see more butt bins in implemented in the region, to tackle the massive issue of cigarette litter.
Cigarettes are lined with microfibre plastics, which breaks down, is washed down drains and leads to the ocean via the sewer system.
Glen said he's proud of his son's attitude towards protecting the environment.
Coastal Warriors president Meegs Stephens said the vision of the group's founders was to make each day Clean Up Australia Day.
"It's about being aware about how litter impacts the environment and not doing it in the first place," she said.
Ms Stephens said it is concerning the group is not finding any overall reduction of litter in the region.
The group has been hosting monthly clean-ups at different locations across the Mid North Coast, since its inception.
There are some items, such as plastic bags and plastic straws, which group members are seeing less of in clean-ups. Ms Stephens said it's indicative of people embracing the use of reusable items, such as cloth bags.
Ms Stephens said it's also positive the group's volunteer base is growing, with people who are enthusiastic to get on board with the group's message and help keep the region beautiful.
Members of the Coastal Warriors will host their next event on April 4 at Crescent Head.
For more information, please visit the Coastal Warriors - Mid North Coast Facebook page.
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