Well, the City of High Point just started its big winter event where the city tries to get residents and volunteer groups to go out – while the foliage is minimal – and pick up all the trash they see along roads, streams, intersections and other high trafficked areas.
On the heels of that event in High Point, on Monday, Feb. 10, Greensboro Beautiful announced that it’s hosting a “Winter Wipeout: Coffee and Cleanup program” that will run through the month of February.
According to a statement from the city, the “initiative aims to unite Greensboro residents in a collective effort to clean up local parks and green spaces, while enjoying coffee and fostering community spirit,” and it adds, “Volunteers will receive all necessary supplies, including gloves, bags, and tools, to help tackle litter and debris in select outdoor spaces in the city. Community members, families, and local organizations are encouraged to participate.”
In the Winter Wipeout, which is taking place now through February 28, volunteers can organize individual cleanups in areas where they see a need.
As part of the program, a special event – a “Cleanup Celebration” – will be held on Saturday, Feb. 22, at Gateway Gardens at 2800 E. Gate City Blvd in Greensboro. All of those who will have been helping give the city a makeover are being encouraged to gather there for coffee, hot chocolate, and snacks before participating in a major cleanup effort along East Gate City Boulevard.
The event is open to everyone, not just those people kind enough to help out.
Amanda Garner, executive director of Greensboro Beautiful stated this week that help from volunteers is badly needed, and the effort generates solid benefits for the city.
“Litter not only detracts from the natural beauty of Greensboro, but can also harm local wildlife and ecosystems,” she said. “We believe small efforts from many individuals can lead to significant impact. Winter Wipeout is a fantastic opportunity for residents to come together, take pride in our community, and enjoy some hot beverages while making a difference.”
Those who want to take part in the effort are being encouraged to wear comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, and to bring a reusable water bottle.
Cleanup supplies will be provided.
To register for the free event or to find more information about it, you can visit www.greensborobeautiful.org/litter-cleanups/winter-wipeout or contact Greensboro Beautiful at (336) 574-3574.
Greensboro Beautiful is a nonprofit organization that’s dedicated “to conserving and enhancing Greensboro’s beauty and environmental health through education, community involvement, and action. Since its inception, Greensboro Beautiful has engaged thousands of volunteers and invested in projects that have promoted the “appreciation of our community’s natural resources.”
All community members, families, and local organizations are encouraged to participate. Not only will this event foster a sense of community spirit, advocates say –but it will also inspire individuals to become stewards of our environment throughout the year.
Here’s a detailed summary from the city:
- Get together a small group of 15 or less.
- Select a site to clean up from the city’s online “Litter Hot Spots” map – or suggest a cleanup site of your own.
- Sign up and let them know when you plan to clean up your selected site before the end of the month.
- Pick up your cleaning supplies at 2800 E. Gate City Blvd. in the vending machine area on the right side of the building. (Supplies will be labeled and sorted based on your group.)
Take pictures before and after your cleanup session and post them to Greensboro Beautiful’s Facebook or Instagram page. Program backers say, “It’s a great way to show what a difference we can make!”
- Sort recyclables and dispose of collected litter with normal trash, or request disposal assistance by emailing the specific location of bagged and collected items to Greensboro Beautiful. Styrofoam and glass recycling can be dropped off at Gateway Gardens or any of the many Styrofoam locations throughout the city.
- Once you’re done, you’ll be asked to fill out a survey to let the city know how many bags were collected, how many people participated, and how long it took to complete your cleanup.
