By Huba Sagarwala
BurlingtonGreen, a local environmental organization committed to improving the city’s environmental conditions, is set to host a beach clean-up event this coming Saturday, April 1, 2023. The event aims to tackle the alarming issue of cigarette butt pollution in the city’s beaches.
According to recent studies, cigarette butts are the most common form of litter found on beaches worldwide. Not only do they take years to break down, but they also release toxic chemicals and microplastics that can harm the marine ecosystem and wildlife.
BurlingtonGreen is calling on residents, youth, businesses, organizations, and the government to participate in this initiative and help collect and recycle one million cigarette butts as part of the national Butt Blitz program. The event will be an opportunity for the community to come together, learn about the harmful effects of littering, and take action to preserve the environment.
“I’m excited to welcome community members to our Beach Clean Up, where we’ll be taking practical steps to clean up plastic and other pollution from the lake and the sensitive, unique dune ecosystem that all Burlingtonians can help to protect,” says Sue Alksnis, BurlingtonGreen’s volunteer and community engagement manager.
The organization’s Branching Out Strategic Plan, launched in January 2018, guides their work over a five-year period. Their Annual General Meeting (AGM) includes a presentation of their latest impact report, audited financials, and a review of their key mission-focused priorities going forward.
BurlingtonGreen’s beach clean-up event is a direct and tangible way for the organization to make a positive impact on the local environment. Their work is based on research and a good understanding of the facts, presented with a solution focus. Through collaboration with the community, they aim to ensure the rights of the environment are respected.
Excitingly, the organization has also launched a new program this year called the Litter League Challenge. This program encourages community members to join in the Clean Ups while also raising funds to support BurlingtonGreen’s work throughout the year. The program is perfect for workplace teams, clubs, faith communities, and others looking to make a positive impact in their local community. By joining the challenge, participants can double their impact while having fun cleaning up litter in the community.
That’s not all! By contributing to this event, remember, all participants will receive free complimentary pollinator plant seed packets (while supplies last). So not only do you leave with the great feeling of helping out but also a small free gift!
Come on out and help make a difference not only through this event but many more in the future. Alksnis has a passion for the organization, and shares BurlingtonGreen’s short- and long-term goals:
“BurlingtonGreen, together with thousands of community members, is making a meaningful difference for the environment locally. BG shares practical, solution-focused actions Burlingtonians can take now to help keep our city cleaner, greener and more sustainable for a healthier future together. As an example, this year we aim to have 15,000 Burlingtonians participate in our community Clean Up, in recognition of BurlingtonGreen’s 15th anniversary. All across the city, from now until October, families, schools, work teams, clubs, faith communities, and others will be protecting nature by cleaning up litter from our parks, schoolyards, creeks and neighbourhoods.”
Come celebrate 15 years of making a positive difference. BurlingtonGreen welcomes everyone to contribute and help make a difference by being part of the solution on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the beach clean-up event to tackle cigarette butt pollution on the city’s beaches.
To register for the event click here.
To view more events, click here.
To view the website, click here.
