To comply with federal, state and local advisories in response to COVID-19, most cleanup events in the Rockland County area will be postponed until later in the year, while some may move forward if they meet current safety criteria. Meanwhile, as individuals there is plenty we can do  to make a difference in our communities. 

Pollution isn’t just a messy litter problem. The impacts of our mishandled waste are monumental — from poisoning our water sources to choking wildlife to increasing carbon emissions. The waste humans generate waste has been detrimental to our environment for quite some time now. Humans are generating too much trash and cannot deal with it in a sustainable way. Waste that is not biodegradable and cannot be properly be recycled is filling our oceans and landfills and finding it’s way to the sides of the highway and onto our front lawns.  

Interested in doing an individual cleanup? Plogging and TrashTag are ways of doing individual cleanups. #Plogging represents any form of outside exercise where you collect litter. #TrashTag is taking a before and after picture of the area you cleaned up and posting it to social media.

Be sure to follow the Great Global Cleanup safety protocols listed below before doing your cleanup: 

1. Ensure that it is safe and permissible by local authorities to be outside. Always follow health and safety ordinances before heading outside. If you live in an area where you can be outside, be sure to practice social distancing and robust sanitation practices before, during, and after your cleanup.  

2. Select an appropriate time and route for your cleanup. Choose a safe location: Select a place where it is less likely you will be around other people. Your cleanup route can be done in your neighborhood or a park nearby.  Select a route: Before heading out, know what route you want to take and calculate how long it will take. Time: Always do your cleanup in daylight and when weather conditions are suitable.  

3. During the cleanup ensure that you wear some form of gloves for protection. Additionally, BBQ tongs, salad tongs, or other pickup device can help create further separation between you and the litter Never touch the litter directly or your face during your cleanup. Less is better. Only pick up litter that is safe to handle and can be easily disposed of or recycled.  To really go the extra mile, consider using the Earth Challenge Plastics App to log your piece of litter and support citizen science.  

4. After the cleanup publicize the success of your cleanup on social media. Tag us @EarthDayNetwork with the hashtag #GreatGlobalCleanup, #TrashTag #Plogging. 

Interested in volunteering to do an individual cleanup in April 2020? Simply fill our form to submit your information!

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