In celebration of Earth Day, a group of Peterborough residents participated in a volunteer-led litter-picking event at a city park, once again demonstrating that small actions can collectively result in significant change when it comes to the environment.
On Sunday (April 19), over 35 people joined Salix Environmental Consulting and Clean Up Peterborough to collect waste along the Little Lake waterfront and in the public park at Rogers Cove on Maria Street in East City.
“It’s a walk with a purpose,” said Lee, a regular clean-up participant.
Sunday’s event was organized by Becca Durbin, a long-time Peterborough resident and owner of Salix Environmental Consulting. It is her second year hosting an Earth Day clean-up, with last year’s event taking place across Little Lake at Millennium Park.
“I remember enjoying things like this when I was younger,” Durbin told kawarthaNOW of her inspiration to start the event.
This year Durbin partnered with Clean Up Peterborough, a grassroots sustainability and recycling initiative founded by Steve Paul, an advocate for community-led change.
Clean Up Peterborough organizes regular events including clean-ups, recycling drop-offs, and educational experiences.
Last Wednesday (April 15), the organization hosted RE:Connect, described as “Peterborough’s Circular Economy Celebration and Learning Event” at the Morrow Building, with the aim of showing how simple practical actions can reduce waste, save money, and strengthen the community.
At Sunday’s event, Clean Up Peterborough was also collecting items that are not recycled through traditional systems, such as batteries, ink cartridges, and fishing gear.
Both Durbin and Paul said that clean-up events are a simple way in which individuals and organizations can make a difference in their local community. They cited the support provided by the City of Peterborough as a significant factor in enabling community members to organize their own clean-ups.
In 2023, the City of Peterborough approved a pilot Litter Action Plan to better protect the environment and public spaces. Through this program, individuals and organizations can request a clean-up kit that includes nitrile gloves and garbage bags and coordinate disposal with the city’s public works department.
“It’s exciting to have partnered with the city and Steve,” said Durbin.
For his part, Paul said that partnering with the City of Peterborough and Durbin and her network allows all parties to increase awareness of their message and share additional resources.
“We’re able to do more together because it amplifies our effect,” Paul told kawarthaNOW.
Speaking to the accessibility of clean-up events for community members, both Paul and Durbin said clean-ups don’t need to be major projects hosted by established organizations, but that they are something that people can do easily individually or with friends and family.
“You just need to be one person who has the motivation and passion to go out,” wrote Durbin in a statement to kawarthaNOW.
Gathered at Rogers Cove on Sunday were a collection of individuals, friends, and families, all working towards the same goal. Event participants shared stories of why they had chosen to participate, with many speaking about their desire to contribute towards a larger goal.
“All the clean-ups we’ve done are adding up,” Paul said of the impact of consistent action, even at a grassroots level.
As Earth Week continues, Durbin and Paul look to long-term and sustainable action as the key to environmental protection.
Both said that they are committed to continuing this work and growing the annual clean-up event to engage more people.
“I’m excited to keep the momentum going,” Durbin said.
