Pick up two pieces of waste, snap a photo and submit it online. That’s how easy it is to participate in the Wellington Water Watchers community clean up this year to tidy up local trails, parks, waterfronts and natural spaces.
Because organized litter cleanups have not been possible during the pandemic, WWW launched a creative way for everyone to take part, yet still stay safe. The Take2 Watershed Cleanup uses a webpage that geotags the location of litter while collecting data about the type of waste, the volume of the waste, photos of the waste and the brand (if any) of the waste pieces.
“This is the first time that we're doing something that's creating this organized ongoing project to talk about tackling waste that’s entering waterways. It’s also finding ways to bring it to a higher level solution like through figuring out where all that waste is coming from and who's creating it,” said WWW program manager Dani Lindamood.
Submitted information is anonymous and can be seen on the impact map, which shows detailed information about the waste piece and its location.
Lindamood said because of the pandemic, more people have been going outdoors to enjoy local waterways and trails which has only increased garbage and litter being left behind. By launching Take2, those already frequenting natural areas can help with the clean-up effort.
“It's supposed to be just kind of like a simple way to bring mindfulness for the environment, to our daily activities so when we go for a walk and notice traffic, it's engaging people in doing just a small action that collectively when it adds up, contributes to this larger impact,” said Lindamood.
For those who want to participate, all they have to do is take two pieces of waste with them next time they’re out enjoying natural spaces and click a photo to submit here. They can also use the hashtag #Take2Cleanup, tag @Take2Cleanup on Instagram and nominate two others in the community to encourage collective action.
“We’ve probably all heard someone say, ‘But I’m just one person! What difference can my actions make?’ Well data helps tell the story of different problems in the world and the actions people are taking to address them through tracking numbers, categorical information, showing trends over time, and more,” said Lindamood, adding that by tracking and identifying waste, polluting brands can be held accountable.
Take2 is a pilot project funded by the provincial government through the Great Lakes Local Action Fund. The pilot project focuses on the Eramosa River and the Speed River.
The initiative also provides options for groups such as businesses, organizations, clubs, classrooms, schools, or friends to measure their collective impact by registering as a team, Team members can participate individually with separate submissions contributing to their team’s overall data. WWW is also offering incentives and contests to groups who compete.
The initiative was Jeremy Shute’s idea, a partner at Shared Value Solutions.
“What I have experienced is that people want to be part of the solution and want to be engaged in something positive that will help the environments they have grown to love,” said Shrute in a press release.
“Take2 accomplishes two goals: it supports removing and disposing garbage from natural spaces; and in doing so, shifts the awareness of people using trails that will lead to stemming the flow of garbage getting there in the first place.”
