Philly Cleanup Day – Wrap-up for Philadelphia’s Green Event

This past Saturday, Philly Spring Cleanup Day united 10,000+ volunteers in 248 cleanup efforts around the city.

Our 34 volunteers in the 300-600 block of Washington Ave gathered more than 30 bags of trash and 8+ bags of recycling in the 5 hour event. Among the items collected were hundreds of cigarette butts, broken bottles, a shoe, silly bands, and paraphernalia that should not lie anywhere close to where children play. I was quite proud to see everyone eager to help out as they got down and dirty (with gloves,  shovels and brooms, of course!)

Despite our success, it’s questionable how long a formerly-polluted site will remain clean. One woman who participated in the cleanup began picking up trash by her home and continued the cleanup as she wandered down the block. While she requested to put a sign up about cleaning up to make neighbors aware, we joked a sign would have eventually turned into litter itself.

In the long term, I’d like to make a suggestion for Philadelphia.  Unfortunately, Philadelphia needs to pair a Spring Cleanup Day with educational tools in the neighborhoods for long-term benefits.  Recently, I walked down South Street as a young father threw an empty pack of cigarettes as he was walking down the street, holding his 3-year old daughter’s hand. No matter how many ‘cleanups’ Philadelphia holds, uneducated citizens will continue their dirty habits without the proper education.

Regardless of how long our site will remain ‘clean’, several of the volunteers mentioned how proud they were to help Philadelphia during the day. “I’m just happy to get out there and help our community ,” said neighbor/volunteer Ed Golden.

Thanks to everyone that helped out, either on our site or others.  We couldn’t have done it without you!

Readers, did you participate in Philly Spring Cleanup Day? How was your experience?

Posted by Julie

Photo credit: Tara Robertson