Summer is here and everyone is headed for the beach. Many of us make the decision to do more than just hang out at the beach. Thousands of volunteers all over Florida get involved by putting on gloves, grabbing a trash bag and participating in a group beach cleanup effort.

This weekend, the Environmental Coalition of Miami Beach (ECOMB), in cooperation with the City of Miami Beach, is holding its second annual "Big Sweep" beach cleanup competition. Although registration for the event is over, you can still come out and see the event and find out how you can participate in ECOMB's upcoming events. Visit the ECOMB website for more information.

Another group that stages regular beach cleanups is the Surfrider Foundation. With chapters all over Florida, it's easy for anyone to get involved and volunteer as their schedule permits. What's involved with a Surfrider beach cleanup? It's so easy. You just show up at the designated beach where you'll generally be issued latex gloves and all the trash bags you'll need. Water is often provided. Beach cleanups usually last an hour or two, then a group photo is taken before the volunteers disband. Find a Surfrider Foundation chapter near you.

Beach cleanup volunteers take a way a good feeling and leave behind a clean beach that's more appealing to the eye and safer for wildlife.