1: What do I do if I want to help?
Email us at cleangreenbelmont@gmail.com and let us know your interest. At a minimum we can add you to our mailing list so you are informed of events being held in your area. Or you can volunteer for something more such as a local Park ambassador. Or we’d just love to hear your ideas.
2: The trash bin in my local park is full or overflowing! What can I do?
Call the Department of Public Works (DPW) at 617-993-2680 and let them know. They are great and will take care of it. Note: unfortunately, due to limited town funds, DPW own trash can service is currently only available on weekdays Monday-Friday. But still give them a call and leave a message and they will take care of it as soon as possible.
3: If litter is not picked up and placed in a trash can for proper disposal, where does it go?
Some litter will get picked up by your community minded neighbors, a city street sweeper may get some, but all too often it ends up being washed or blown into our waterways which ultimately drain to the Mystic River and then the Ocean. The negative consequences of this are only beginning to be understood (links for more information; epa.gov and pewtrusts.org).
4: How does trash get from the street to the waterways?
Many town storm-water drains drain to our waterways. If you want to see for yourself, take a walk to Clay Pit Pond and look down as you walk close to the waters edge. You will see plastic at various stages of degradation, much of which has been there for years.
5: Who throws their litter on the streets?
Litter has many sources and no single demographic is to blame. Indeed, some is dropped by accident but sadly much is the result of carelessness of town residents, commuters/visitors and folks who come to work in the town on town projects (e.g. construction).
6: What can I do in the event I see someone toss litter on the ground?
This is the most difficult question to answer because it is very situational. But use your judgement based on the situation and remember it is OK simply to pick up the litter (if it is safe to do so) and say nicely “I’ll take care of that for you” and dispose of it properly. You’ll be surprised how much more effective that will be than something more confrontational. We do not recommend being confrontational, it is both ineffective and there is a possibility the situation could escalate.
7: I am or work for a local business and want to reduce the single use plastic we use, where should I start?
Reach out to us at cleangreenbelmont@gmail.com we are here to help and support you in reducing plastic waste.