The Corporation of The City of London
April 22, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Londoners come together to Clean & Green the Forest City
 

The 12 Days of Cleaning wrapped up on Saturday with thousands of Londoners participating in the 17th annual London Clean & Green Community Clean Up. Thanks to the generosity and community spirit of these volunteers, between 18 and 20 tonnes of litter and garbage has been collected from boulevards, parks, neighbourhoods and river banks. London Police Service also coordinated the removal of graffiti in a number of areas.

“Good job London – the city looks fabulous,” said Mayor Fontana. “The Clean and Green Program brings community, business and most importantly - people – together for the right reason - to make a positive and measurable difference in our city. Everyone’s effort is valuable. Once again Londoners have proved why our city is a wonderful and caring community. Thank you to all the volunteers and I hope to see you next April.”

Bags of litter and garbage were collected from about 150 locations cross London. Some of the largest piles were found on Blythwood Road in Oakridge, at the Church of the Ascension on Dundas Street East, St. Julien Park and near Coronation near Drive near Hyde Park.

Items collected ranged from your typical litter including paper wrappers and cups, plastic bags, bottles and cans to much large items such as tires, furniture, car parts, toilets, concrete.

“A community driven campaign such as this can only be achieved by working in a partnership,” says Jay Stanford, Director, Environmental Programs & Solid Waste. “London Clean & Green is a true partnership between businesses, organizations, media, City of London staff and, of course, the many Londoners who make this all possible. About 10,000 people volunteered their time between the 20 Minute London (Business) Makeover and the Community Clean Up.”

To celebrate Earth Day today, many volunteers are planting 1,500 trees and wildlife shrubs in Watson Park to help protect the Thames River corridor as it flows through London. The annual event is coordinated by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority

Join us on Facebook. You will find lots of great community clean up photos submitted by our volunteers. . Plus additional details for the next phase of London Clean & Green will be announced shortly.

The City of London thanks all sponsors and volunteers for their enthusiastic participation year after year.