This Earth Month, on April 15th, students from Eastern High School took their learning beyond the classroom and onto the beaches of Wildwood Crest for an immersive kickoff of their Love Blue Club. Over 40 students, representing multiple grade levels, alongside several science teachers, spent the day experiencing firsthand what it means to protect our oceans at the source.
Waiting on the sand was AJ Caruso, CEO & Founder of Love Blue Inc. and an Eastern High School alumnus, who had already set the tone for the day. A fully equipped service station stood ready, complete with a tent, tables, grabber tools, trash pickers, gloves, safety vests, and bags, demonstrating the level of organization and intention behind every Love Blue cleanup.
AJ opened the day with a powerful talk, walking students through the evolution of Love Blue, from its grassroots beginnings to a growing movement creating measurable environmental impact. He introduced the “Crest Model,” highlighting the organization’s partnership with the Borough of Wildwood Crest. Through coordinated cleanups, community events, sustainability initiatives, public cleanup stations, and ongoing data tracking, this model has proven effective in increasing community engagement while actively reducing pollution along local beaches.
From there, the group headed toward the shoreline at low tide, where the learning became even more dynamic. Drawing on over a decade of experience as an ocean lifeguard, AJ explained coastal mechanics in real time, how tides shift, how sandbars form, and how rip currents develop. As the group walked nearly half a mile along the waterline, students encountered horseshoe crabs and whelk egg casings. What could have easily been overlooked became moments of fascination, as AJ broke down the ecological importance of each species, connecting students directly to the life systems they were working to protect.
The group then transitioned into the dunes, where the focus shifted to one of the most critical and often overlooked aspects of coastal conservation. Students were instructed to tread carefully, avoiding plant life and hidden habitats. Here, AJ explained how storm-driven debris becomes trapped in the dunes, gradually breaking down into microplastics, one of the most dangerous forms of pollution. These particles infiltrate the soil, damage plant ecosystems, harm wildlife, and inevitably find their way back into the ocean. The message was clear: dune cleaning is not optional, it’s essential.
As students began their cleanup, the impact became tangible. What started as a lesson quickly turned into action, with participants uncovering and removing debris embedded deep within these fragile environments. By the end of the effort, the group had collected over 80 pounds of trash.
Back at the base, the day continued with a debrief that tied everything together. Students were introduced to a guiding principle: act local, think global. The idea that individual actions, no matter how small, can compound into meaningful, collective impact resonated strongly after a day of hands-on work. The group then sorted recyclables from waste, ensuring proper disposal for public works pickup.
Hydration was provided by Open Water, whose partnership with Love Blue continues to support cleanups across the region. The students’ reaction said it all, they loved it, and the organization remains deeply grateful for the support.
To close out the day, the group headed to Sam's Pizza Palace, where volunteers were treated to a well-earned meal. It was there that AJ showcased the “Cigarette Inside” surfboard, an innovative piece created from collected cigarette waste, driving home the broader message of turning pollution into awareness and action.
The day was more than a cleanup, it was an experience. Students didn’t just learn about ocean conservation; they lived it. They left not only with a deeper understanding of environmental challenges, but with a sense of responsibility and empowerment.
These students stepped into the role of Guardians of the Ocean, taking action where it matters most: at the source, within coastal communities.
A huge thank you to all the students, teachers, and coordinators who made this day possible. Love Blue looks forward to expanding this program, bringing more schools into the movement, and continuing to inspire the next generation of ocean advocates.
