With Monday being Earth Day and all of April being Community Cleanup month, the regional waste reduction office asks local residents to take some of their time to tackle a spring cleanup project in their neighborhoods.
Pick up litter, sweep a sidewalk, or tackle an illegal dumpsite—whatever you choose, the waste reduction folks will even arrange to pick up the litter filled bags when you’re done.
Waste reduction facilitator Rae Stewart says volunteers are the backbone of Community Cleanup Month, and every year thousands of families, service clubs, students and businesses lend their support to cleanup initiatives in their neighborhoods.
“It’s incredibly inspiring to see so many people committed to making a difference! And it’s amazing to see the impact we can make in a small amount of time when we pull together with a little elbow grease and determination.”
Stewart adds some of the group’s that have already done cleanup’s this year include Starbucks, Glenrosa Elementary School, the Okanagan All Stars Hockey U9’s, Interior Savings Credit Union in Rutland, Kelowna Waldorf School, PCL Construction, the Fedex Group, Tallus Ridge Residents Group, First Lutheran Christian Preschool, Kelowna Community Services, the Oyama Community Club, the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Club, and countless individual families.
Stewart adds some groups even dedicate their time every year, including the North Westside Community Association. “For 18 years in a row this particular group has cleaned up Westside Road from Joe Lawrence Hill to La Casa, a 30 kilometre stretch of roadway. This year is no different, with a group of 30 plus volunteers doing it again for the entire month of April. That kind of dedication is simply outstanding.”
If you would like to do a cleanup in your area, the Regional Waste Reduction Office will provide bags, gloves and pick up of litter filled bags after you’re done. For more information, visit regionaldistrict.com/recycle, or call the Regional Waste Reduction Office at 250-469-6250.
