Back in 2020 at the height of COVID-19, 4-year-old Oliver and his family decided to start spending more family time outdoors visiting our local beaches.
One day, Oliver began asking questions about the plastic pollution he noticed along the shore and the harm it may have on the ocean and animals who call it a home. His parents, Ryan and Maggie, shared that they expressed with Oliver how sea turtles (and other marine life) can mistake the plastic bags and debris for food. Think about it–would you want to eat trash? Of course not! Oliver asked for a bucket and began picking up the trash. His little sister, Charli-Kate, even decided to tag along too. After only a few minutes, his parents recall watching in astonishment as he brought back the bucket already full. The very next day Oliver asked if they could bring the bucket and do it again. The Cavers stated that it quickly became Oliver’s passion, and the rest is history.
That’s when Clean Horizons was born.
It started with a regular beach clean up when one day Oliver asked if they could race to see who could pick up the most trash. His father Ryan took this idea to a friend in the community. Before he knew it, they decided to start an event called “Liter Rodeo” to challenge other families to help clean up the beaches along the Alabama Gulf Coast while also uniting together and spending quality time. At each event, kids have the opportunity to win special prizes, such as a free condo stay or even a guitar signed personally by famous country legend, Kenny Chesney!
Through this journey, they decided to write a children's book mimicking rhymes Oliver and his dad would say to one another while combing the shore looking for trash. The book is titled “Litter, Litter, Please Come Here” and serves the purpose of helping other children learn the harm trash does to our beach friends in hopes they’ll be encouraged to help clean up too. For every book sold, the Clean Horizons crew makes a promise to pick up one pound of trash from the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach coastline and waterways! This family is working hard to create a better future with the inspiration of a child’s perspective.
At the end of the day when all of the work is done, it’s time to bust out the surfboards and have some fun. Tackling litter is not the only way the Caver family enjoys spending time on the coast. They like to end the day by enjoying a family surf session before calling it a day. Slowing down, giving back, and inspiring others to live the same way while having fun is what it’s all about.
Oliver wants everyone to know that, together, we can make an impact.
“You can help to do your part! On YOUR beach where you start.” - Oliver Caver
Follow Clean Horizons and plan to attend their next Liter Rodeo this November!
Instagram: @Clean.Horizons
Facebook: @CleanHorizons
or visit their website CleanHorizons.org