There is a quote by Mary Oliver that says “Tell me, what is your plan to do with your one wild and precious life.” At Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage (OLAUG) old ladies ages 64-85 are swimming, diving, kayaking and canoeing in freshwater ponds in the Cape Cod area of Massachusetts on a quest to help the environment by collecting garbage with joy from pond to pond. Susan Baur, founder of OLAUG, along with OLAUG members Trish Corey and Sarah Spengler shared some of their time, and joy, to talk about this special organization. 

“We are a group of old ladies, aged 64-85 and counting, who swim in the freshwater ponds of Cape Cod collecting trash, challenging the strength of older women and challenging others to see beyond perceived limits to take concrete action to preserve the environment.” OLAUG

OLAUG was formed in 2017. Susan had been spending time swimming in freshwater ponds befriending turtles while keeping a healthy distance from the protective snapping turtles.  She noticed “invisible garbage” accumulating on the bottoms of these beautiful ponds where all sorts of items from golf balls, cell phones, car batteries to toilets were sitting where no one saw them. Initially Susan had a few friends join her to swim, dive and bring the garbage out of the ponds. OLAUG now has 28 volunteers. Sarah and Trish shared they felt fortunate and grateful to have joined OLAUG as currently there is a waitlist of 40 old ladies wanting to join all this joyous organization.  

“We are serious about our mission, but as you can maybe tell by our name, we don’t take ourselves too seriously.” OLAUG

OLAUG is passionate about collecting underwater trash from freshwater ponds. Susan, Sarah, and Trish shared trash collected is treasure and the more trash they collect the better as they often will bring 100 pounds of trash out of each pond. OLAUG ladies have serious skills as they need to be able to swim for half a mile in 30 minutes, not touch the bottom of the pond for at least an hour and free diving up to eight feet. Those who paddle a kayak or canoe (called Garbage Collectors) need to have paddling skills to take the trash items the swimmers have heaved from the bottom of the pond, balance them in their vessel and paddle back to shore. These hour plus long OLAUG trash collecting moments require significant physical skill and endurance, communication, and trust combined with enthusiasm, excitement, laughter and joy. The old ladies out there are adrenaline, thrill seeking individuals doing something that makes them very happy. 

“Our affection and respect for the fish, turtles, and plants that live in the ponds are what motivates us. Well, that and cookies.” OLAUG

Prior to OLAUG fresh-water trash diving and collecting members begin to go out to swim and scout potential ponds, keeping warm by wearing wetsuits. In Cape Cod there are approximately 890 freshwater ponds spread out geographically. This underwater world is spectacular to see and experience. 

As an experiment each year OLAUG is diving in the same pond, keeping track of the trash found.  Once the pond sites and dates have been set, a team list is determined with a leader for each pond trash collection, the swimmers, garbage collectors, and beach bosses (OLAUG members who are on the beach with extra supplies needed) is set.  An OLAUG meeting is held going over all the information along with safety training and lots of old lady joy. Families and friends of OLAUG members support and have pride in what their loved ones are doing. 

“There is no greater power in the world than the zest of a postmenopausal woman.” Margaret Mead

Here is the flow on pond trash days. OLAUG team members participating that day meet at the site, excited to see each other and for what trash they will collect that day. The town municipal department or homeowners association are present to help dispose of collected trash. Often neighboring families and individuals show up to help on the beach. Sometimes a media outlet (or more) is present. Kayaks and/or canoes are ready to go. A swimmer goes out to check for snapping turtles. The OLAUG members who can swim the farthest then headout and the trash collecting begins. Often when the whistle is blown to end the day if a swimmer spies any object from golf balls to baseballs or a shiny wrench they will dive to get it, tuck it into their swimsuit before returning to shore to take a group photo of the loads of trash collected and eat some delicious cookies. Sometimes a treasured trash item becomes keepsake. OLAUG even once found a toilet that they brought to shore. As proactive educators, OLAUG hopes to educate people that their actions have a consequence. OLAUG hopes that the significant amount of  “invisible trash” collected could result in people making different choices. OLAUG also hopes that anyone hearing the story of the accomplishments of these old lady trailblazing women will think differently about themselves and older women. That you are never too old and it is never too late. Find your passion, find your people, make it fun, worth doing, and do it with joy. 

“Follow your joy.” OLAUG

Kindness Champions is honored and thrilled to shine our spotlight on OLAUG. Where trailblazing old ladies fueled by joy and cookies are clearing out trash and rubbish of freshwater ponds and lakes in Cape Cod helping to protect the fragile ecosystems. We thank you for being you and bringing your awesomeness to the world.

For more information on the incredible OLAUG here is their information:

Website: https://olaug-ma.com/

Instagram: @olaug_capecod https://www.instagram.com/olaug_capecod/