When the snow recedes and spring begins, some people think of gardening while others look forward to camping.
Me?
I find this time of year more depressing than the bleak mid-winter months. The only thing I can think about is garbage. Everywhere I look, I'm reminded of the ugly side of spring. Fast-food wrappers and plastic bags wave to me along the sides of the highway as I drive home. Disposable coffee cups and Slurpee straws float carelessly along the ditches as I walk down neighbourhood streets.
As a woman of action, I focus my anger and shame on positive change. My two daughters and I took to the country roads near our home this past long weekend with latex gloves and garbage bags in hand. Two hours later, we packed 3 full garbage bags into the back of our minivan and enjoyed the spotless drive home. In a sense, we informally adopted the care of our neighbourhood roads and I encourage you to do the same.
It doesn't matter where you are in the city of Prince George, it's time to clean up and show you care about our shared environment.
If you are in business, the appearance of the land and walkways around your office or storefront makes an important first impression. You want to give pedestrians every reason to look up at your signage and into your windows. But litter-filled streets, shrubs surrounded by cigarette butts and parking lots covered in plastic and paper will work to lower the gaze of passersby.
Encouraging staff to get out of the office and lend a hand cleaning up litter has two positive effects. Environmental stewardship is the obvious benefit but so is the wellness and physical fitness involved in walking around the block a few times while bending to pick up garbage. Staff that take part cleaning up in small groups will experience the additional benefit of team building through positive group effort.
The municipality of Prince George has made it easy for businesses and organizations to take part. Check out their Adopt-a-Block and Adopt-a-Litter Container programs online and find out how simple the application procedure is. Not only does your business get a bit of extra recognition with the installation of two Adopt-a-Block signs, but the city will send annual letters of thanks to your business serving as a reminder to carry on with cleanup activities the following year. The Adopt-a-Block program is free while other 'adopt' programs carry a onetime fee to cover supplies, equipment and installation.
Timed perfectly with the receding snow, this week is Pitch-In Week cumulating on Sunday with a city wide cleanup effort. The Recycling & Environmental Action Planning Society (REAPS) is hosting several container bins around town for litter disposal, supplying Pitch-In participants with bright yellow garbage bags and latex gloves, and providing information on cleanup activities. Visit their website for more information: www.reaps.org
Until next week, stay in the black and keep coming back.
