Some people feel powerless in making a global impact to protect the Earth, while others take action by starting locally—in their own city and homes. Ottawa residents embrace the “Cleaning the Capital” initiative, encouraging neighbours, family, and friends to maintain their neighbourhoods. Ottawa Name shares practical tips to help keep the city clean, proving that even small contributions can make a big difference.
How to Get Started?
Every responsible citizen has likely asked themselves this question: Where do I begin? Often, enthusiasm fades without clear guidance. Here’s how to start:
- Join an Initiative: Find a local clean-up project, review its details, and get involved. Working alongside like-minded people is motivating.
- Spread the Word: Promote your initiative on social media to gather a larger team. Posts, shares, and word of mouth are powerful tools.
- Plan Waste Disposal: Before the clean-up, ensure there’s a plan for disposing of waste, leaves, or potentially hazardous items.
- Start Locally: Focus on cleaning your home, yard, or neighbourhood. Collaborative efforts turn pollution problems into shared goals.
Rather than venting frustrations online, channel your energy into meaningful action to create a cleaner city.
What to Do with Collected Waste?
After participating in one of many “green” initiatives aimed at maintaining a clean city, the next question arises: What should I do with the collected waste?
- Dispose of Cigarette Butts: Cigarette waste is toxic and non-biodegradable, making it essential to collect and dispose of properly.
- Report Hazardous Materials: Do not attempt to move dangerous items yourself; instead, contact the appropriate service.
- Handle Organic Waste Properly: Leave branches, leaves, and wood in open areas.
- Coordinate Waste Removal: Organize with your team to transport trash to designated disposal sites.
Always remember to recycle and compost waste. Recyclables should go into appropriate bins, while food scraps belong in green bins.
General Ways to Keep the City Clean
- Use Reusable Bottles: Replace single-use plastic bottles with reusable ones. Producing one plastic bottle consumes three times the water it holds. Investing in an eco-friendly, stylish bottle is better for the environment and aligns with global efforts to reduce plastic waste.
- Switch to Reusable Bags: Choose reusable fabric bags over single-use plastic ones. This simple habit significantly reduces plastic consumption and its harmful impact on the environment.
- Reassess Consumption Habits: Before purchasing new items, consider their necessity. Instead of discarding items, donate them to those in need or repurpose them. Sharing and reusing are better alternatives to mindless consumption.
- Opt for Rechargeable Batteries: Disposable batteries are a major source of electronic waste. Rechargeable batteries offer a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution. While they may seem expensive upfront, they save money and reduce waste in the long run.
- Carpooling and Fuel Conservation: While electric vehicles are ideal, carpooling is a practical alternative. Sharing rides with friends, especially on long trips, conserves fuel, saves money, and fosters social connections.
- Avoid Littering: The simplest yet most impactful advice—don’t litter. Disposing of cigarette butts, wrappers, or pet waste improperly harms the environment. Start with personal accountability.
Caring for the city is a shared responsibility. Even small actions contribute to a cleaner, healthier community. Ottawa’s numerous green initiatives are proof of this collective effort.
“Cleaning the Capital”
Each year, Ottawa residents participate in the city-wide Cleaning the Capital event, held in spring and fall. This initiative unites communities and individuals to keep Ottawa green and clean.
Launched in 1994 as a spring cleaning effort, the program has since become a beloved tradition. The number of participants grows yearly, reflecting a shared commitment to environmental stewardship. Success begins with the desire to help, and opportunities to contribute are abundant.
Since its inception, over 30,000 cleaning projects have been completed in Ottawa. These efforts have removed more than 1.35 million kilograms of waste. This initiative celebrates the pride of a community working together to create a cleaner city. Activities include cleaning parks, bus stops, shorelines, forests, and trails. Beyond the visible results, it’s a chance to enjoy nature, celebrate a greener city, and reaffirm a shared responsibility to protect it for future generations.