Keeping Uxbridge Clean: Provincial Day of Action on Litter
Written by Serena Luk, Manager of Content and Media Relations, at the Greenbelt Foundation
May 31, 2024
Litter is an issue that impacts not just the aesthetic value of our surroundings but also the health of our environment. It’s essential to understand that reducing litter isn't just about making our spaces look good. It's about preserving the natural beauty and ensuring the sustainability of our ecosystems. When we reduce litter, we contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant community.
Litter is an issue that impacts not just the aesthetic value of our surroundings but also the health of our environment. It’s essential to understand that reducing litter isn't just about making our spaces look good."
Every second Tuesday in May is the Provincial Day of Action on Litter and this year the Foundation was able to celebrate by cleaning up Herrema Soccer Fields in Uxbridge.
Upon arriving, cleaning litter on the field seemed like an easy task as community volunteers in Uxbridge regularly help keep it litter-free. However, as we ventured further into the outskirts, we discovered leftover roof debris from a tornado in 2022. The team was happy to do what we could to clean up the field that day, but it’s so important that we continue to take action to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills to protect our environment.
One significant benefit of removing litter is maintaining the safety and cleanliness of our trails and greenspaces. Clean trails are safer for hikers, runners, and cyclists, reducing the risk of injury from sharp objects or slippery surfaces caused by discarded waste. Moreover, litter-free greenspaces are more inviting and enjoyable for everyone, promoting physical activity and mental well-being.
The Foundation’s goal is to ensure the Greenbelt is protected and prosperous. This includes minimizing the waste thrown into the environment. Littering along our shorelines, green spaces and on our streets is harmful to wildlife and can damage ecosystems. These natural systems are essential to supporting ecological and human health and are vital resources to our communities.
Although the Provincial Day of Action on Litter is only one day a year, our work to protect the Greenbelt and our environment does not stop there. Ontario’s Greenbelt has important natural assets, and its health directly impacts the quality of drinking water for more than seven million Canadians. The agriculture within the Greater Golden Horseshoe helps drive the local economy and is essential to sustain a reliable local food source. The Greenbelt provides irreplaceable benefits to Ontarians. From picking up litter to sustaining the Greenbelt, our work will continue to safeguard our environment and communities for generations to come.