By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As part of Circular Economy Month, the Town of Caledon and ecoCaledon are hosting community cleanups to help keep Caledon parks clean and vibrant.

ecoCaledon, funded through the Town of Caledon's Climate Action Fund, is working to bring waste reduction initiatives across Caledon.

Three cleanups will be held at three locations simultaneously, with the community coming together to clean up Caledon's parks.

Lucrezia Chiappetta, co-chair of ecoCaledon, says that these activities are an easy way for Caledon residents to get involved in climate initiatives.

Chiappetta notes that many people are unaware of how dirty public spaces can get, especially those close to various facilities.

“It's a great way for us to get out and help clean up some of these spaces,” says Chiappetta.

At each location, you'll find refreshments, raffle prizes, and the chance to win bragging rights.

At the end of the cleanups, they will weigh the garbage and recycling collected to determine which community collected the most.

Bolton Home Depot has donated the bags, gloves and a handful of garbage pickers for Saturday's event.

The cleanups will be held at North Hill Park, Caledon East Park, and John Clarkson Park on Saturday, October 18, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Chiappetta says she looks forward to seeing the community come out, have fun, and come together at these cleanups.

“It's something really easy that people can get involved in and see an immediate impact. There's nothing like seeing a nice, pristine public space, especially when you're visiting a local park or trail system.”

If you can't make the community clean up, consider cleaning up your own trailways and parks by practicing “plalking.”

Plalking is an activity promoted by ecoCaledon that combines walking while picking up litter.

“Anytime people are out for a walk, they can carry a bag with them so that they can collect any litter that they come across,” says Chiappetta.

She says not only will it help to keep neighbourhoods clean, but it will also benefit the local wildlife as well by keeping their homes clean and less hazardous.

For residents interested in plalking, ecoCaledon is currently recruiting three waste champions who could lead plalking initiatives in their communities on a regular basis.

Chiappetta says residents who notice illegal dumping in their neighbourhoods should contact the OPP non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122.

As we move through Circular Economy Month and Waste Reduction Week, Chiappetta says numerous activities can be done to encourage waste reduction in your day-to-day life.

For example, bring your own reusable water bottles, mugs, and takeout containers whenever possible.

Chiappetta also urges residents to advocate for stronger bans against single-use plastic.

“Advocacy is really important,” she says. “Even to the companies that we're purchasing products from, let them know that we'd like them to find alternatives to using plastic as well.”

The Town of Caledon is also hosting a community recycling collection drive for electronic waste and textile recycling on now through October 26.

ecoCaledon will also have two bins for the drive set up at the Caledon East Community Centre in partnership with Dunk Disposal.

Suppose you haven't had your fill of waste reduction for the month yet?

In that case, residents can visit the Repair Cafe and free community event on October 25 at the Caledon East Community Centre.