We’re pretty sure Santa’s all for recycling. So the jolly old elf would no doubt approve of the efforts of Huntsville’s Green Team.
In its first year at the Santa Claus Parade, the Green Team collected nine bags of garbage and recycling left behind along the parade route. In 2016, that number was down to four. And the team will be back at this year’s parade on November 30, spreading awareness about the importance of diverting waste from landfills while collecting empty coffee cups and candy wrappers along the way.
The Green Team encourages parade-goers to bring their warm beverages in reusable cups to avoid waste altogether. And they’ve asked parade organizers to remind floats to forego the streamers and to hand goodies to spectators rather than throwing them into the crowd so they don’t get trampled underfoot. If you or your kiddos decide to dig in at the parade, stuff the wrappers in a pocket so you can drop them in the Green Team’s bins when they pass by.
The team’s persistence and positive message appears to be working. “Each year it gets cleaner,” says Green Team organizer Judith Blanchette.
The team is part of Muskoka’s Eco Club, which meets on the second Wednesday of each month at More Than Just Art (15 Manominee Street). The next meeting is on January 9, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.. New members are welcome.
Learn more about the Green Team here: Huntsville’s Green Team promotes recycling, waste diversion and more at local events
-
- Alesha Breckenridge and her daughter Clare helped make sure that recyclables didn’t end up in the trash at the 2017 Santa Claus Parade
-
- The Green Team at the 2016 Santa Claus Parade (supplied photo)
Don’t miss out on Doppler! Sign up for our free newsletter here.
Thanks so much, Judith, for your continuing devotion to this cause. With a Premier in power, who just excised the position of Environment Commissioner (as a cost-saving measure?), it seems that the grass-roots will have to be even more vigilant.
I love this town. What a great example to set for the children!