World, National Cleanup Days Net 145 Million Pounds, And Counting
Checking in with organizers of World Cleanup Day and National CleanUp Day: How did they do? The events were held in September for the fifth year in a row.
Matt Lefler, Great Global Cleanup coordinator at EarthDay.org, reports that nearly 145 million pounds of trash were collected. Lefler’s organization and others partnered with Keep America Beautiful for the cleanups.
Worldwide, organizers with Let’s Do It World expected millions of participants from more than 180 countries for World Cleanup Day. More than 191 countries were represented, with an estimated 12 million people pitching in, Lefler says.
And September (which was National Cleanup Month) is by no means the only time people can participate.
“We are happy to report that our cleanups continue to grow and grow each year,” Lefler says. “As more and more people become aware of the rampant waste and plastic issues plaguing the world, we have seen an uptick in local cleanups globally.”
Data and numbers are still trickling in from September.
A cleanup was hosted in New York City by National CleanUp Day at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
“Cleanups occurred in neighborhoods, parks, beaches, rivers, forests, schools, hiking trails and everywhere in-between,” Lefler says.
He joined a large National CleanUp Day event at Pan Pacific Park in Los Angeles.
“There was a group of about 50-plus people, all working together to safely clean up the space, which included several organized small groups and individuals from the area.
“Cleanups not only get people outside to clean their environment, but they also allow for like-minded people to come together and form networks that can lead to ongoing activism for a healthy planet.”
In coordination with global partners, Lefler says EarthDay.org is looking forward to year-round cleanups as the next Earth Day approaches on April 22.
One Piece at a Time
Lefler encourages people to look for organized events or put together their own by visiting a Great Global Cleanup map.
There’s also more info on the Great Global Cleanup website, including tips on how to plan and execute a successful and sustainable cleanup event.
The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania partnered with local organizations and EarthDay.org to host a beach ... [+] GHAAMID ABDULBASAT/EARTHDAY.ORG
Cleanups organized around the world in September included a National CleanUp Day outing co-sponsored by Planet Oat at Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy in New York City. The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania also partnered with local organizations and EarthDay.org to host a beach cleanup in Dar es Salaam.
Lefler says the goals of cleanups extend beyond a single event or day. He encourages people to set multiple days throughout the year to plan cleanups and keep waste management on their minds.