The fifth-annual Comox Valley and Campbell River Small Planet Clean Up Contest is underway, just in time for Earth Day.
Five years ago there were 18 participants who were out in the community picking up garbage to make Campbell River a cleaner place, as well as vie for the chance to win $300. In only four years, that number grew to 1,032 participants and nine schools who managed to clean up over seven tons of garbage. The event, put on by Small Planet Energy, is back on again from now until April 30.
“In collaboration with the CVRD, we invite you to get your garbage pinchers ready!” a release from Small Planet Energy says. “Our planet is incredibly beautiful, and we need to work together to keep it that way!”
Last year also featured a partnership with the Comox Valley Regional District, as well as Shaw TV. Over $8,000 in prizes went out in 2023.
“We are hoping to make this year’s contest the biggest and most garbage cleaned up, ever. The contest is on now, and will run through Earth Day, (April 22), and then conclude on Sunday, April 30,” the release says. “This year’s contest has over $6500.00 in cash prizes and our goal is to have the entire Campbell River and Comox Valley Regional District and surrounding forests cleaned up in two and a half weeks’ time!”
The rules are simple. From now until Sunday, April 30 at 6 p.m.:
1. Take before and after photos of garbage you find and clean up anywhere in the Campbell River/Comox Valley Strathcona Regional District.
2. Submit your photos on our contest page at https://smallplanetenergy.ca/small-planet-energy-clean-up-contest-2024/ (Multiple entries are encouraged).
3. Contact cleanup organizer Tara Jordan for free biodegradable garbage bags, CVRD tipping fee waiver forms, (to waive the dump fees), to recommend areas that are in need of a cleanup or for any other questions - 250-202-7446 or tara@smallplanetenergy.ca.
4. Get outside and make a positive difference by being a part of the solution today. Spread the word!
“For many of us, this time of year is when we are spending a lot more time in the forest and trails around Vancouver Island and are finding that there is a lot of garbage where there shouldn’t be,” the release says. “April 22, 2024, marks the 54th annual celebration of Earth Day, which is a global movement that now includes 193 countries and over 1 billion participants, around the world. We’re hoping this challenge will continue to inspire people to help clean up the Campbell River and Comox Valley Regional District, and this beautiful small planet that we all care so much about!”
Individuals or businesses who want to sponsor the cleanup can contact Jordan at tara@smallplanetenergy.ca. All donations go towards prizes for best cleanups.
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