THUNDER BAY --- The response to this year’s Spring Up to Clean-Up event has been overwhelming.
More than 300 requests for kits were submitted to EcoSuperior by May 1, showing there’s still plenty of enthusiasm in Thunder Bay to keep neighbourhoods clean and sparkling as warmer weather threatens to stick around for the next few months.
Kevin Brewer, general manager at Sleeping Giant Brewery, said his staff usually takes part and cleans up their own neighbourhoods, but with the pandemic still in play, they decided to stick closer to their workplace instead in 2021.
“It just falls in line with our initiatives and that we like to help out the community,” Brewer said.
“Especially this year, it’s a lot of masks, a lot of PPE that’s just floating around – and not by anyone littering purposely. It just falls out of your pocket, it falls out of anywhere. So I think it’s important to beautify your own area and help out the neighbourhoods around you as well.
Brewer said his staff are only too happy to help out.
On Friday they spent a few minutes removing trash from a ditch in front of the brewery and caught up in a chain-link fence adjacent to their building.
It’s leading by example, Brewer said.
“I think a lot of people look to us, whether we’re hip or cool or whatever, but if we’re trying to help out our community, maybe they’ll think twice about helping out theirs,” he said.
Melissa Davidson, program co-ordinator at Eco-Superior, said it was great to see so many people and businesses eager to help out during the 25th anniversary year of the Spring Up to Clean Up event.
“For the entire month of May, folks are invited to get clean-up supplies from the City of Thunder Bay’s program, which EcoSuperior runs. We’re encouraging household bubbles to get out and clean up this spring.”
Davidson said it’s clear people want to take part this year.
“People are obviously looking for something to do, I think, and this is a safe way to get out with your household, do some cleaning up and help the Earth out a little bit at the same time.”
Trash is removed, then sorted to ensure it is disposed of properly, including recyclables and any hazardous materials that might be found.
