Both cleaning up the marine debris that is already there and preventing any more is essential in the fight against marine debris! Cleanup efforts are important and nearshore cleanups help to limit the debris that finds its way into the ocean. However, if you think about trying to mop up water in the bathroom while the faucet is still running, you’ll begin to understand just how crucial prevention is. By educating people about the marine debris issue and encouraging lifestyle changes that incorporate the three R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle: choose reusable items and use fewer disposable ones), we can begin to decrease the amount of debris that is entering our oceans and increase the impact of cleanup efforts.