The annual P.E.I. Women’s Institute roadside cleanup saw volunteers making the island cleaner on Saturday. Since 1973, this province-wide initiative has involved individuals scouring fields, tree lines, and streets to remove litter. Participants used Women’s Institute bags or clear bags to collect items like coffee cups, glass, and cigarette butts.
Virginia McGowan, the director of environmental service at the Charlottetown Rotary Club, emphasized the importance of maintaining a pristine and healthy environment for everyone to enjoy. McGowan urged people to understand that litter, such as cigarette butts and coffee cups, does not simply disappear but instead lingers in the environment, causing further harm.
This year marked the second consecutive year of participation for the Charlottetown Rotary Club, with plans for continued involvement in future cleanups, possibly in the fall. Last year, the Rotary Club of Charlottetown collected a significant amount of trash, with veteran member Duncan Conrad noting the ongoing issue of litter in the beautiful surroundings of the area.
Despite the challenges presented by excessive litter, there was a noticeable improvement this year, with the group gathering 10-15 bags of garbage along Lower Malpeque Road and Sleepy Hollow Road. Additionally, UPEI’s Rotaract Club joined the cleanup effort, with President Renee Darville highlighting the importance of thorough cleaning to protect wildlife from potential hazards posed by small debris like glass and cigarette butts.