Diving for a Cause: The Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage
A Joyous Mission
For many, retirement symbolizes a time of relaxation and self-indulgence. However, in Cape Cod, a unique group of retirees—self-proclaimed Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage (OLAUG)—is turning that notion on its head. Equipped with snorkels, a zest for life, and a mission to sweep Cape Cod’s freshwater ponds clean, these women showcase the power of collective action and environmental stewardship. Their story unfolds like a journey, revealing the deep connection between joy and service to nature.
Members of OLAUG celebrating their finds during a pond cleanup.
The Birth of OLAUG
The organization began not from a moment of disgust at pollution, but rather from a profound love of nature. Susan Baur, the group’s founder, shared her initial experiences, stating, “Most people think they already know the answer… But that’s not at all the way it started.” With a history of swimming with various turtles in the pond—a practice that brought her immense joy—Susan found her passion for nature blossoming into an urge to protect it. Initially, she began picking up small bits of trash that told her about her surroundings but quickly realized that the volume of litter was much greater than she had anticipated.
From Individual Effort to Collective Action
The early days featured just a handful of individuals, including Susan and a friend in a kayak. Yet, as they witnessed their humble efforts bear fruit, word spread, and membership in OLAUG grew to over 30 dedicated members. As they transformed their small cleanup efforts into significant environmental service, they encountered everything from historical trash—like old beer bottles and rusted tires—to an array of intriguing finds, emphasizing the layers of history accumulated at the pond bottom.
The Joy of Diving into Destiny
Dive days are filled with excitement and chaos. Each outing requires pre-scouting to assess visibility and engagement from local communities, ensuring they can tackle the toughest jobs together. But more than just tactical planning, OLAUG’s gatherings are steeped in camaraderie, relying on homemade cookies to fuel their efforts. As Susan humorously observed, “We work for cookies!”
The Treasure Hunt
With organized leaders and a charge to collect, the swimmers embrace the thrill of a treasure hunt. Often, members report feeling as if they are in the midst of an adventure rather than arguably performing laborious environmental work. As one diver exclaimed, “My God, that was fun!” showcasing just how infectious this enthusiasm can be.
The thrill of the hunt—divers discover unexpected treasures in the depths.
Expanding the Mission
For the Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage, the mission continues to expand beyond just the shores of Cape Cod. Requests are now pouring in from across Massachusetts and even further afield. Their captivating enthusiasm showcases an essential truth: passion for nature rallies others to the cause. In effect, they actively foster an infectious love for the natural world that draws in new participants, sparking interest and inspiring action at every level. What started as a local effort starts branching into nationwide counterparts.
A Reflection on Nature and Community
As the group dives into the waters of the Cape, it is not only the ponds that benefit but also the women themselves, reconnecting with their surroundings and fostering community in a time often marked by disconnection. As Susan Baur notes, “If you get a bunch of people into a situation where you are wonderstruck by the natural world… you get that feeling of, ‘I am a perfect person in a perfect world.’” It is this harmony between human beings and the environment that is at the heart of OLAUG’s mission.
The Bigger Picture
Local ecosystems face significant threats from pollution, and initiatives like OLAUG play a vital role in combating these issues. By engaging with the community and encouraging environmental responsibility, these women shine a light on a pressing issue that touches all of us. Their work serves as a reminder that it only takes a few passionate individuals to spark change, inspire others, and contribute to a larger movement.
The joy and satisfaction of cleaning up a beloved pond at the end of the day.
Conclusion: Diving into the Future
As OLAUG continues to garner interest across the nation and potentially the world, their approach illustrates a blend of joy, responsibility, and community action. For Susan and her fellow divers, it’s more than cleaning up ponds; it’s about connecting with nature, nurturing friendships, and igniting a broader movement—all while having a significant amount of fun. For the Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage, every dive is a step towards a cleaner environment and a celebration of life.
If you’d like to get involved or suggest initiatives to better our waters, consider reaching out and joining the joyful fight against underwater garbage!
