Colchester launching litter pick-up campaign
All people welcome, donations for non-profits and sports teams
TRURO - As the snowbanks melt, uncovering unwanted garbage underneath, the Municipality of Colchester is encouraging people to clean their community as part of a two-week campaign.
“For anyone that has travelled or goes into a new community, if the place is highly littered, there's just kind of a mindset that maybe it's not safe, or people don't care as much,” said Darlyne Proctor of the Colchester Waste Resource Management Team.
A clean, attractive place makes an enormous difference.
“It seems like the community cares, and the people care and the businesses care when there's no litter, and it's safer for the wildlife. Litter is just so distracting; it's such a negative feature. So keeping our community pretty and nice and clean and safe is very important."
Starting on Earth Day (April 22) and running until May 7, anyone is welcome to participate if they can safely navigate their cleanup area, including individuals, groups, families, businesses, schools and non-profits. The first 100 to register will receive T-shirts.
The county is already supported by and recognizes several local groups who have adopted various areas and overpasses, said Proctor, including year-round efforts via the Great Nova Scotia Pick-me-up and Adopt-ahighway.
An incentive to reward these kinds of groups is being offered. The first five charity non-profits and the first five sports teams to register could each be eligible for a $500 donation. This approach was introduced by the Municipality of East Hants last year.
“I didn't want to demotivate any of our good community spirit that's going on there. I just wanted to enhance and build on that,” said Proctor, adding that it could be part of a fundraiser.
Participants will submit the most found and unusual items. This key aspect helps the municipality and can influence future decisionmaking provincially.
“That data actually will help the province and the government maybe to engage in conversations about maybe future funding or future stewardship programs that may help combat against litter,” said Proctor.
For example, fewer plastic grocery shopping bags are appearing since being phased out.
“It's wonderful to have people go out and pick it up,” said Proctor. “But if it never landed there, (that) would be best.”
One notorious spot is Plains Road in Debert, which has dedicated community volunteers constantly picking up after drivers.
District 9 Coun. Marie Benoit, a leader on this initiative, was part of a litter audit with the mayor and organizers in Debert through the business park. They found a lot of coffee cups, fast food packaging, and urine bottles from the transportation corridor.
“I was actually blown away at what everything was broken down to,” said Benoit, during the council committee meeting approving the initiative.
A survey of the area, including 151 participants, showed concerns from residents.
“Each district (and the municipality) can benefit … by not having trash as a focal point when driving through our wonderful communities … it's something that I'm passionate about trying to fix. And I know a lot of the residents are quite frustrated with it, especially the ones that are out there on a weekly basis.”
Coun. Lisa Patton said a major eye-opener for her was a sign posted by a District 8 constituent last year, stapled with all kinds of garbage they had found on the side of the road.
She hopes people can follow the example of Upper Onslow resident Louessa Grady. Patton learned just recently that during the woman’s walks on Old Tatamagouche Road, Grady always picks up and returns with bags of garbage to help clean her neighbourhood.
Patton is proud of the Truro-north River 4-H, one of the first to register with 30 participants.
“I believe every resident of Colchester County can be the cure for litter,” said Patton.
“So encouraging people to get out and help us with this initiative is something we can all take a part in and be proud for doing it.”
People can choose wherever they want to clean, as long as they are permitted to access the land. Proctor suggests thinking of what places they value personally when looking for ideas.
And it is a fun outing that is beneficial for mental and physical health.
“Every resident can make a date with their family or friends and even just get out for half an hour,” said Patton. “And once you're out in the fresh air, I mean, it sure makes a difference. And it's great for social activity.”
Registrants can ask for and retrieve supplies, including Glad bags and gloves, to assist their work.
Co-ordinators should keep safety in mind, including the environment and any potential hazards. Garbage should be collected in clear bags and divided among participants’ bi-weekly garbage collection. Larger collections can be arranged via the helpline at 902-895-4777.
Although the municipality has supported various efforts and hired summer students in the past, this is the first coordinated community campaign of late.
A job posting available until April 14, is looking for two summer students to join the muncipal environmental protection crew.
“I believe every resident of Colchester County can be the cure for litter. So encouraging people to get out and help us with this initiative is something we can all take a part in and be proud for doing it.” Coun. Lisa Patton