Wanted: Four Adventurous Recruits To Embark On Alaskan Coastal Expedition With The Coastal Code

Second annual Coastal Expedition to Yakutat, Alaska hosted by Alaskan Brewing Co.’s Coastal CODE, Alaska Airlines, WEND Magazine

Alaskan Brewing Co.’s Coastal CODE opens the door for new ideas to maintain a healthier Pacific Coastline
 
JUNEAU, Alaska (June 1, 2009) – As part of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore ocean conservation issues in Yakutat, Alaska, consumers now have the opportunity to embark on an adventure in the Last Frontier simply by submitting ideas to maintain a healthier Pacific Ocean and coastline. With ideas as simple as cutting the plastic rings on a six-pack of soda, or as grand as inventing a biodegradable beverage bottle, the four individuals with the topmost ocean-minded suggestions will join the Coastal CODE in Yakutat this fall for the 2009 Alaskan Coastal Expedition.
 
The four chosen “CODE Keepers <http://www.coastalcode.org/coastalcode/coastalcode_keepersofthecode.php> ,” will embark on a weeklong journey of true Alaskan adventures hosted by Alaskan Brewing Co., Alaska Airlines and Wend Magazine including sustainable fishing and surfing in Yakutat. They will also learn about the global impact of marine debris while helping preserve the remote shores of Alaska. The CODE Keepers will use their knowledge and passion to lead a multi-day beach cleanup in Southeast Alaska, learning how to make a difference for their own local coastline along the way.
 
Applicants can submit their ideas at http://www.coastalcode.org <http://www.coastalcode.org/>   or by submitting their 140-character response as a Direct Message to Coastal CODE Twitter <http://twitter.com/coastalcode>  and on the Coastal CODE Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=67544651598&ref=mf>  wall. The Coastal CODE and Alaskan Brewing will hold events along the west coast, where consumers can apply in person via printed application forms. All submissions are due by July 1, and the expedition will head to Alaska on September 14.
 
“There are so many innovative ideas and interesting projects out there; ways we can make a big difference with relatively small changes,” explains Alaskan Brewing Co. co-Founder Marcy Larson. “We hope to tap into that innovation by making it really easy for people to get their ideas out there.”
 
After July 1, the Coastal CODE, Alaskan Brewing and Wend Magazine will narrow the list of great ideas to a select few. Chosen finalists will be asked to submit a formal application explaining more about their idea and shared commitment to the health and sustainability of the Pacific Ocean and its coastline.
 
This will be the Coastal CODE’s second annual expedition to cleanup and explore the shores of Yakutat, Alaska, a coastal Alaska community dependent on the sustainable use of ocean resources and known among surfers for its icy breaks. Last year’s weeklong trip involved a multi-day beach cleanup conducted in partnership with Coastal CODE grantee, the Marine Conservation Alliance (MCA) Foundation and Yakutat community members. Together these “CODE Keepers” cleaned up 2,500 pounds of debris from a 2.5-mile stretch of beach, witnessing firsthand the harmful effects of marine debris on Alaska’s expansive coastline and the challenges of cleaning up one of the most remote areas in the world. 
 
“The same waves that attract surfers and others to Southeast Alaska carry with them a large amount of marine debris,” explains Larson. “We have more than 40,000 miles of coastline in Alaska. That is a lot of coastline to cleanup but it offers a lot for us to learn. We are looking for a hardworking crew that can help us achieve both.”
 
The 2009 Alaskan Coastal Expedition will culminate in the Coastal CODE’s home port of Juneau, Alaska with a fundraising concert and cleanup activities for International Coastal Cleanup Day <http://www.oceanconservancy.org/site/PageServer?pagename=icc_home>  on September 19.
 
For more information about the Alaskan Coastal Expedition, visit: http://www.coastalcode.org/coastalcode/healthier_coastline.php
 
About Coastal CODE
Coastal CODE is a registered nonprofit founded by Alaskan Brewing Co. in 2007. Alaskan Brewing is the largest brewery in Alaska and one of the most award-winning craft breweries in the country. Alaskan Brewing donates one percent of proceeds from its Alaskan IPA to the Coastal CODE initiative, providing grants to groups for the cleanup and preservation of the Pacific Ocean and its coastlines. For more information, visit http://www.CoastalCODE.org <http://www.coastalcode.org/> .