“A Watershed Moment” is a weekly radio program focused on environmental news and happenings in West Michigan, plus solutions for living a greener life. Broadcast on WYCE-FM 88.1 on Tuesdays at 8:30am and 5:30pm, this program is produced by Grand Rapids Community Media Center and West Michigan Environmental Action Council.
Volunteers of all ages came out for last year's Grand River GreenUp, which coincided with Earth Day /Courtesy of WMEAC
Grand Rapids-based West Michigan Environmental Action Council and the Grand Haven Jaycees will host the 2nd Annual Grand River GreenUp this Saturday, April 21 at Riverside Park in Robinson Township from 9 a.m. to noon.
Last year, over 300 people came to the park and cleared almost 7,000 lbs of waste. This year, GreenUp coordinator Brock Rodgers, environmental engineer for izzy+, is hoping for even more volunteers and less litter so that next year, the event can move to a new site. The goal of GreenUp is to clean the Grand River so that it will remain clean, year after year.
The goal is not only to restore one of West Michigan’s greatest resources but also to educate people about the dangers of pollution, Rodgers says. The more people that understand the health and environmental risks of tossing plastics, tires and chemicals into a drinking water resource, the more likely the river is to remain clean. The GreenUp encourages waste reduction, increased recycling and wise disposal of valuable goods. Any steel that is found during the GreenUp, for example, will be sold as scrap metal, with the proceeds being donated to Love INC.
During the GreenUp, students, politicians, businesses, schools and individuals tie up their boots and work together to protect West Michigan’s water resources. Those interested in taking part in the Grand River GreenUp as volunteers should contact [email protected] or register at www.grandrivergreenup.com. Coffee, breakfast and lunch will be provided, and the first 400 volunteers will receive a free t-shirt.
Learn more about the Grand River GreenUp at WMEAC.org.
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