More than 10,000 volunteers are needed every spring after melting snow reveals how trashy some people can be during a long winter.
On Friday, thousands of those volunteers started pickup up after the winter sloths. The official launch of the 20th annual spring up to clean up started with the city’s 9th annual 20-minute makeover at Confederation College.
“It’s important for volunteers to get out and lend a hand to the community to clean up the city for the spring time,” said EcoSuperior environmental programs coordinator Shannon Costigan.
The spring up launch alone involved as many as 80 local businesses and included more than 1,000 volunteers.
By the end of May, the initiative will have hosted nearly 250 cleanups with more than 10,000 participating volunteers.
Costigan, who was also this event’s coordinator, said cigarette butts are the most common item littered with 4.5 trillion found around the world.
“We are really hoping that people step up and take responsibility,” Costigan said.
“We want people to take pride in their community and make sure they don’t litter.”
Costigan wants to remind people that anyone can get involved with the community cleanups during the month of May.
People can register as an individual, as a family or their own community group.
“However, if they would like to get involved, it doesn’t have to be a big clean up you can do it while you are outwalking your dog.”
EcoSuperior will be providing participants with the items they need to get started by registering at their office or online.
