Elk Grove, a vibrant community in California, is home to a group of dedicated residents who are taking action to improve their neighborhood one piece of trash at a time. The Elk Grove Anti-Trash Volunteers have been meeting weekly since 2020, initially coming together during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to stay productive while social distancing.
David Irons and Khaliah Ingram, the founders of the group, kickstarted their cleanup efforts by posting their plans on an online community page. What began as a small initiative quickly grew into a community-driven movement aimed at tackling the growing trash problem that was cluttering the streets, parks, and trails of Elk Grove.
Sharon Anderson, a long-time member of the Elk Grove Anti-Trash Volunteers, emphasizes the importance of community involvement in caring for the neighborhood. She notes that the group has evolved from a collection of strangers to a close-knit community of friends who share a common goal of keeping Elk Grove clean and beautiful.
The group’s diverse membership includes individuals of all ages, from children to seniors, who come together to make a positive impact on their surroundings. Anderson describes the act of picking up trash as a fun and engaging activity, likening it to a scavenger hunt that excites children and adults alike.
Each week, the Elk Grove Anti-Trash Volunteers select a new location to meet up and embark on their cleanup mission. Whether it’s a local park, waterway, or trail, the volunteers dedicate a few hours to scouring the area for litter, often returning with multiple bags of trash. Anderson highlights the sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing a pile of collected trash, knowing that it has been removed from the community’s public spaces.
Since its inception, the group has successfully removed thousands of pounds of trash from Elk Grove, ranging from small wrappers and cigarette butts to larger items like broken bicycles. Their efforts have been supported by the City of Elk Grove, Cosumnes Community Services District, and the River City Waterway Alliance, among others. In addition to picking up trash, the volunteers also report any issues they encounter on streets, power poles, and signs to city crews.
The Elk Grove Anti-Trash Community Cleanups are organized at the volunteers‘ own risk, with safety meetings held prior to each cleanup event. Typically scheduled on Saturdays, the group coordinates the cleanup locations through their Facebook page, inviting community members to join them in their efforts to make Elk Grove a cleaner and more welcoming place for all.
In conclusion, the Elk Grove Anti-Trash Volunteers exemplify the power of community-driven initiatives in creating positive change at the local level. Through their dedication and hard work, they are not only cleaning up their neighborhood but also inspiring others to take pride in their community and work together towards a common goal of environmental stewardship.