After a long, snowy winter, we at Toronto350 are itching to get back outside and into the streets. For the upcoming Earth Day (April 22), we've decided to bring back the Community Clean-Up as a way to help keep our streets & parks cleaner, and spark environmental conversations with our neighbours.

We're looking for 350 Torontonians to accept the challenge to pick-up 350 pieces of trash this Earth Day (or whatever you can manage). Take the pledge and clean-up in your neighbourhood!

Take photos & post to social media to spread awareness. Be sure to tag Toronto350, as well as any of the brands & companies found in your collection to hold them accountable for the waste they're producing.

Be sure to include the hashtags below:
#TO350Challenge so we can share your work
#InvestInOurPlanet as a part of the earthday.org/earth-day-2022 campaign

A common question asked about Community Clean-Ups is what is the purpose of doing this? This blog by Kathryn Kellogg helps to define some key reasons such as protecting wildlife & children from potentially harmful litter, and helping to remove the stigma that surrounds cleaning up public spaces.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• This is dirty work - be sure to wear gloves! Utility or gardening gloves are a great alternative to disposable vinyl or latex.
• Bring hand sanitizer or wipes.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Pay attention to weather forecasts & dress accordingly. (Don't forget a hat & sunscreen!).
• To reduce plastic usage, consider collecting trash in compostable or paper bags, or re-used materials such as the bag your toilet paper comes in, etc.
• In an effort reduce back strain, try an old pair of kitchen or BBQ tongs to collect the trash (in lieu of an actual garbage spike).
• Do not work on unstable or slippery ground (ravines, river banks), in tunnels, or near stormwater management ponds.
• Only pick-up litter. Leaves, twigs and plants can remain on the ground.
• Avoid stepping on shrubs, bulbs, and flowers.
• Have fun!

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