Volunteers want to make their areas less trashy

People are giving up their time to make their neighbourhoods cleaner and safer.

Jason Sheppard

Kicker

St. John’s is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in North America, but keeping it that way is a challenge.

As part of Waste Reduction Week In Canada, the Northeast Avalon Atlantic Coastal Action Program recently organized a community cleanup in Kenmount Terrace. Six people met in the parking lot of St. Michael and All Angels Church to clean up the neighbourhood.

In an hour, they had collected seven bags of trash.

Corrina Favaro is an executive committee board member with the group.

“It’s important we take care of our neighborhoods as they become overrun with garbage,” she said.

Favaro feels these cleanups are important because if people don’t take care of their neighbourhoods, it could lead to other issues besides unsightly litter.

“We do this because we care about the health and cleanliness of our neighbourhood because people are healthier if they have clean environments,” she said.

The group performs these cleanups about twice a year – in the spring and fall.

Favaro, 30, was among the younger volunteers at the cleanup. Another volunteer, Geoff Whiteway,  55, also believes in the value of a trash-free neighbourhood.

“One of the first things anyone visiting or living in our community notices is the amount of debris that collects around residential areas,” he said. “I think it’s important that our community looks clean and appropriate for people.”

Whiteway, an instructor of environmental chemistry at the Marine Institute in St. John’s, says it’s not just about making an area pretty.

“It also reduces the spread of diseases,” he said.

“This is a fairly new area with young families so I am surprised at the amount of debris …”

The volunteers find the usual items – empty coffee cups and chip bags.

On Saturday, Whiteway found something unexpected – $5 lying on the ground – which he then donated to the organizers.

For information on community clean-up events happening in your city and how to get involved, contact http://www.naacap.ca/site/