DIY: Recon

September 28, 2011 by Doug Powell 

Part of our series on Do-It-Yourself Cleanups

The first step is to determine the need by conducting a survey of the waterway. If you find a significant quantity of trash, determine what constitutes the makeup of the trash.

• Large items such as tires, furniture, refrigerators and freezers?
• Small hand-trash such as bottles, paper and cans?

If there has not been a cleanup in the past or the waterway is near an unauthorized dumping site, you may have both types of trash.

During the recon, mark the locations with large quantities of trash on a map and determine the extent of the trash in regard to the distance of the trash from an access point on the waterway.

Generally speaking, you will have to limit your efforts to specific sites, realizing you cannot clean the entire waterway. Never overextend!

DIY: Clothing and Supplies

September 27, 2011 by Doug Powell 

Part of our series on Do-It-Yourself Cleanups

• Wear appropriate clothing to cleanup events. Dress according to time of the year and weather. Recognize you may get dirty so keep this in mind when picking out your attire.
• Wear the appropriate footwear for the areas you will be walking or wading. If you will be in brushy areas, you may want to wear long sleeves and long pants to protect your arms and legs from briers, abrasions and poison oak and ivy.
• Utilize insect repellent and sun screen when necessary.
• When working during hot weather, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Take breaks if you feel overheated.
• Utilize gloves to protect your hands from cuts, abrasions and harmful materials.
• Utilize nets, trash-grabbers, garden tools, rakes and other long-handled tools to help reach items.
• Make sure to utilize large trash bags that can hold the debris you will be picking up. Contractor-grade trash bags are preferred.

Do-It-Yourself Cleanups

September 26, 2011 by Doug Powell 

See trash. Pick it up.

It’s not rocket science, and most of us are conscientious enough that we do it without thinking. However, tackling a larger project takes just a bit of thought and preparation. The point is that you (and a handful of friends) can make an impact without being part of a huge Renew Our Rivers cleanup.

We’re publishing a guide called “How to Organize and Conduct a Waterway Cleanup,” which will be posted here in just a few days. Between now and then, we’ll be sharing the information on the Renew Our Rivers site as an online resource. We hope this is an aid for scout troops and church groups that want to make a difference, even if there isn’t a winch boat and big equipment to help out.

Here’s the introduction:

Waterway cleanups are not new.

Many of you have probably participated in a cleanup before. This guide is to assist in planning and conducting cleanups on a local waterway.

Communication of the purpose and goal of the cleanup is important in recruiting and motivating volunteers. Emphasize that numerous cleanups may be necessary but the goal is to rid the area of unsightly trash.

If you belong to a group or you wish to recruit volunteers not associated with your group, the procedures are the same. The following sections provide a template for you to have a successful cleanup. All cleanups will help remove trash, but some are more efficient. We hope this guide will help make your cleanup a success!

Stay tuned for other posts in the series…

• Clothing and Supplies
• Recon
• Resources and Safety
• Disposal and Recycling
• Duration and Recordkeeping

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