Press release here:
On October 10, volunteers will clean the French Broad River as part of the annual NC Big Sweep. Last year 250 Asheville GreenWorks volunteers removed 10,000 pounds of trash, debris and tires from the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers.
Volunteers will meet at 9am at Asheville Outdoor Center on Amboy Road and work until 1pm. Those with kayaks, canoes or rafts are encouraged to bring them. Some volunteers will work on land. All supplies, plus water and snacks, are provided. Call Asheville GreenWorks at 254-1776 or email volunteer@ashevillegreenworks.org for more information. Volunteers may sign up to participate through October 2.
Concerned citizens are encouraged to clean up waterways throughout the state on October 10. Call Asheville GreenWorks at 254-1776 for safety tips and to report on how much waste was removed.
The Big Sweep fall cleanup is part of the International Coastal Cleanup, a global effort to rid our environment of debris. All 100 counties in North Carolina are expected to participate. Approximately 100 countries all around the world will also participate.During its 22-year existence, NC Big Sweep volunteers have retrieved almost nine million pounds of debris. Imagine — that’s about 22,700 football fields five feet deep in litter.
Litter is a human health hazard. It attracts disease-carrying mosquitoes and rodents. As litter decomposes, it leaches chemicals into our groundwater. People are injured by accidentally stepping on litter. And, litter hurts our economy when businesses don’t want to locate in trashy areas. Tourists won’t linger, won’t spend money, and won’t return with their friends.
“Litter is deadly to wildlife when they eat or become entangled in it,” said Judy Bolin, N.C. Big Sweep president. “Last year, 23 entangled animals were found during the Big Sweep cleanups.”