Elderly Women Cleaning Up Cape Cod

A volunteer group on Cape Cod called Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage is proving that it’s never too late to make a difference. The team, which is composed entirely of women aged 65 to 85, spends its days snorkeling through local ponds and waterways to remove decades of accumulated trash. Since launching the cleanup effort, they’ve removed thousands of pounds of debris, including tires, fishing gear, bottles, golf balls, and other litter. Their work has helped restore habitats for fish and wildlife while improving water quality for the surrounding community. Along the way, the group has forged strong friendships rooted in purpose and adventure, encouraging one another to stay active and give back as they age. Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage hopes their mission inspires others to use the retirement era as a meaningful time to make a difference for the planet. 

Image via The Boston Globe

Read other stories from the 7/27/26 newsletter:

UN Makes Progress on Sustainable Development Goals

Cancer-Fighting Frogs

NYC Parents’ Night Out