Litter cleanup I did in Calgary, Alberta. 273 Pounds!
Title: How I Removed 273 Pounds of Litter in Calgary & How You Can Help Too
Meta Description: Discover how a single volunteer cleanup removed 273 pounds of trash from Calgary’s green spaces. Learn actionable steps to join the fight against litter in Alberta.
The Growing Litter Problem in Calgary
Calgary’s stunning natural beauty—from its river pathways to urban parks—is one of its greatest treasures. But like many cities, it faces a growing litter crisis. Plastic wrappers, cigarette butts, and discarded fast-food containers pile up, harming wildlife, polluting waterways like the Bow River, and degrading public spaces.
Inspired to make a difference, I organized a solo litter cleanup in Calgary’s Nose Creek area. What started as a small effort snowballed into a staggering haul: 273 pounds of trash removed in just one day. Here’s how it happened—and how you can join the movement.
My Calgary Cleanup Day: Challenges & Triumphs
Location: Nose Creek Pathway (NE Calgary)
I chose Nose Creek for its mix of natural beauty and visible litter hotspots. The area near Deerfoot Trail and 32nd Avenue is frequented by pedestrians but plagued by wind-blown trash and illegal dumping.
Tools Used:
- Heavy-duty trash bags
- Litter grabber
- Gloves and a high-vis vest
- A portable scale for weighing trash
Key Moments:
- Shocking Finds: Beyond everyday items like bottles and food packaging, I uncovered car parts, a torn tent, and even a discarded bicycle wheel.
- Community Reactions: Passersby stopped to thank me, with two people joining spontaneously to help fill bags.
- Weight Breakdown: After 5 hours, I hauled out 12 bags weighing 273 pounds total—equivalent to a full-grown grizzly bear cub!
Why 273 Pounds Matters: The Bigger Picture
- Wildlife Protection: Litter like plastic bags and fishing line entangles birds, fish, and mammals in Alberta’s ecosystems.
- Water Quality: Trash in Nose Creek flows into the Bow River, impacting drinking water and aquatic habitats.
- Community Pride: Clean spaces reduce vandalism and encourage outdoor recreation, boosting mental and physical health.
Calgary’s Litter Crisis By the Numbers
- 🚯 10,000+ kg of litter removed annually from Calgary’s parks (City of Calgary data).
- 💰 Taxpayers spend millions yearly on cleanup programs—funds that could go toward community projects.
- 🐦 80% of littered plastics harm local wildlife, including deer and migratory birds (Alberta Environment studies).
How You Can Organize a Cleanup in Calgary
1. Choose Your Location
Focus on high-impact areas:
- Riversides: Bow River, Elbow River, or Fish Creek Park.
- Underpasses: Often filled with discarded items.
- Neighborhood Parks: Community litter adds up quickly.
2. Grab Free Supplies
- City of Calgary Programs: Borrow grabbers and bags via the Clean Calgary initiative.
- Community Groups: Connect with Green Calgary or Alberta Environment Network for support.
3. Stay Safe & Effective
- Avoid sharp objects or hazardous waste (report these to 311).
- Recruit friends or post on social media to grow your impact.
4. Track & Share Your Results
Weigh your haul and share photos with hashtags like #YYCCleanup or #KeepAlbertaBeautiful to inspire others.
Final Thoughts: Small Actions, Massive Impact
My 273-pound cleanup was exhausting but deeply rewarding. Calgary’s litter problem won’t disappear overnight, but every bag filled protects our rivers, wildlife, and quality of life. You don’t need a team to start. Grab a bag on your next walk, join organized cleanups, or pledge to reduce single-use plastics.
Together, we can keep Calgary—and all of Alberta—wild, clean, and vibrant.
Call to Action:
Ready to fight litter? Comment below with your favorite Calgary green space to protect, or tag a friend to plan a cleanup!
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