Clean Up Peterborough (CUP) is pitching in for the sake of the planet with four community clean-up efforts in September.
The new volunteer-run group, made up of residents from both the city and county of Peterborough, care about nature and want to keep Peterborough’s parks, trails, and community clean, year-round. CUP is inviting community members to lend a hand during one of four upcoming events to tidy up the city.
“Our goal is to get as many people as possible to join us and see how much litter, cigarette butts, and recycling we can collect,” CUP founder Steve Paul told kawarthaNOW. “We want to show people it is possible that small changes can make a big difference, and that cleaning up litter should be a year-round project, not just something to be done in spring.”
CUP is seeking passionate people who are willing to participate or even organize a clean-up, the group notes on its Facebook page.
The events in September include the following efforts: Driscoll Terrace and Rotary Park Ravine on Saturday, September 7; Beavermead Park, Rogers Cove, and Little Lake on Sunday, September 8;
Peterborough Regional Health Centre grounds (collection of cigarette butts only) on Saturday, September 21; and Ashburnham Memorial Park (Armour Hill) on Saturday, September 28.
In early June, CUP was one of 14 groups across Canada awarded a grant from the 2024 Unsmoke Canada Cleanups program. The grant, in its fifth year, is a partnership between The Great Outdoors Fund and Unsmoke Canada to support litter clean-up projects anywhere in Canada.
“We set a goal to complete five clean-ups by the end of September,” Paul noted.
During the first community clean up on July 14, 18 volunteers collected six bags of litter and recyclables, and picked up a total of 5,185 cigarette butts in a two-and-a-half-hour period across two city parks, trails, and nearby parking lots.
Residents can pitch in during the upcoming events or also join CUP on a longer basis.
“We will be looking for donated supplies, and for businesses and organizations who would like to get involved as well,” said Paul.
Created to bring people together and get involved in reducing litter in Peterborough, CUP launched with the motto, “let’s make the world a better place.”
“Our focus is on developing strong partnerships and collaboration between volunteers, businesses, non-profit organizations and municipalities, so that we can all make a difference together.”
To learn more about getting involved, community members can visit CUP on Facebook and Instagram by searching for “Clean Up Peterborough.”
Personally, Paul shared why CUP is important to him.
“My journey started with cleaning up litter on a local trail,” he said. “Through the last five months I have learned so much. Even though I have always been a responsible recycler, I now have a personal focus on thinking about what and where I purchase products, because it matters.”
Paul referred to the term “wishcycling” — where people place items that can’t be recycled into recycle bins in the hope they will be recycled.
“People don’t realize it could contaminate clean recycling and cause it to be diverted to the landfill instead,” he explained. “Everyone, from individuals to families and businesses, should take the time to learn more about recycling, and review what plastics they buy. Small positive changes will add up to make a real difference.”
CUP’s goal is to continue with the community clean-up events until the snow flies, and then switch to outreach and education over the winter. Paul plans to attend the volunteer fair on September 11 at Trent University, during which he’ll be looking to connect with students who are interested in developing initiatives on campus and within the community.
“We are looking to attract people with a similar vision who want to give back. Whether you are passionate and want to learn or have very specific experience, come join us. Help us grow and shape the future within our community. There are many groups we can partner with, and lots of education opportunities.”
Paul’s hope is for CUP to become ambassadors in the community and influence positive change with a grassroots, hands-on approach.
“As we learn and grow in new areas, we will share what we learn with others,” Paul said, before sharing his vision for CUP’s future.
“I would love to develop and host annual community events. I would eventually like to incorporate as a non-profit once we find the lane we can help with the most, and define our true vision, mission, and values.”
