Get Your Mr. Clean Mojo Working April 5!

Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Eastsound

— from Kira Bradshaw —

Join your friends and neighbors in the 2014 Great Island Clean-Up! Orcas Island’s first roadside clean-up that covers the entire island!

• When? Saturday, April 5th, 10 a.m. till 12 p.m.

• Where? All roadsides, beaches and Eastsound.

We are all witness to litter strewn along roads, on beaches, and in town. Many of us stop to pick up litter on the island on a regular basis. Unfortunately thoughtless people continue to toss cans, bottles, and cigarette butts among other trash, all over our beautiful island! On April 5th, volunteers will work together to collect as much litter as we can in the span of two hours throughout the island.

Every year, San Juan Island conducts their own Great Island Clean-Up Day with astounding results and support from community members and businesses. This year, Orcas and San Juan will be doing our “spring clean-up” together! We hope The Great Island Clean-Up will inspire other islands of the San Juans to take a stand against litter. We live in a special place, let’s do our best to protect and preserve its natural beauty!

Volunteers should meet at one of these four spots to participate:

• The Olga Post Office

• The Grange parking lot

• The Village Green

• The West Sound Café parking lot

Team leaders will lead and follow groups around their chosen area, making sure volunteers have a safe and fun experience. Some supplies and equipment will be provided, such as grabbers, bags, safety vests, and gloves. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own materials, with the exception of trash bags. San Juan Sanitation will be picking up collected litter at designated spots around noon. A special event to celebrate the day’s work will be held that evening. More details to come later!

Multiple organizations and businesses, including The Exchange/Orcas Recycling Center, Island Market, Ace Hardware, Island Hardware, San Juan Sanitation, The Chamber of Commerce, and Ray’s Pharmacy, among others, are sponsoring The Great Island Clean-Up. All parties who would like to become more actively involved in the project are encouraged to make contact.

Pete Moe, Director of Orcas Recycling Services says, “We fully support what the Great Island Clean-Up is bringing to the island. Getting volunteers together on April 5 to pick up our roads and beaches is truly a great endeavor.”

We hope to see you all there!