I'm just throwing this out here to see if any interest is there....

 

After reading about the Ohio Beaches being among the dirtiest in the USA... and after I received a PM suggesting the idea, I thought I would ask if there is anyone who would want to commit to a once a week 2 hour or so litter sweep of Edgewater. You would be surprised at how much you can pick up in that amount of time with just a small handful of people---say 5 or 6 or so. Something is better than nothing.

 

Perhaps this will help spawn more regular clean-ups in adjacent neighborhoods as well. In many places, it seems as though ti literally 'rains' litter...so doing it once a month...a year, is not enough.

 

Again, hopefully this 'lead-by-example' will present more of a presence to others of picking it up for a change...rather than the everyday example of it being tossed on the ground.

 

I thought the Edgewater thing, although there are regular yearly clean-ups there...would be a good starting point. One person who posted on that Dirty Beach thread suggested how divorced many are here with their water resources/beach culture and in respecting the resource better....compared to many other places where respect for such is the opposite.

 

Maybe we can do it each Saturday. Any takers? If so, PM me and we can arrange a first meet-up.

 

 

 

One word of information on another reason this is needed from volunteers is that state parks funding is severely struggling, so neither the state, nor city is going to place this as a a first priority, eventhough it should be. (Edgewater has only two rangers covering some 13 miles of shoreline and they would welcome any help with this they can get)

 

Also, I am aware that Ohio state parks will begin a 'carry in... carry out' plan in over 30 state parks. I do not know whether Edgewater is one of them yet... But the program simply means that what you take in as far as garbage goes, you are required to take it out. This will reduce the need for huge ugly dumpsters and help promote a better awareness of what people are bringing into the parks.

 

Many other states currently employ such a program. Maybe it is about time to really step up and show more respect for our water front...especially in a city that has notoriously abused its shoreline and riverbanks. It would be a shame to continue to see things go the other way in terms of litter/trash.

 

I hope there are plenty of good people out there who will help make this happen.

 

Thank You...

 

 

 

  No, I won't commit to working at Edgewater.

 

  But I spent the morning collecting litter on the bank of the Great Miami.  :-)

 

  10 people picked about a ton of trash, including 10 tires.

That's great... Now if we can duplicate these efforts more often and in more places. Great Miami River Watershed...Home to some cool Orangethroat Darters!

I think this would be a *fantastic* way for Cleveland-area UrbanOhio members to contribute. I wonder if we could convince a Detroit-Shoreway eatery/bar to provide discounted eats/drinks for participants after the cleanup? :-)

Thank you...  That would be a great help! When a certain number of participants can be arranged through here...  I can get a date going for the first one. I have gloves and bags I can provide.

I will be glad to participate and help keep trash out of our parks and our beautiful lake.

I think that this is a wonderful idea and I would love to help.

Thanks...  Let's see if we can get as many volunteers as possible...then we will all coordinate a day/time...  :clap:

I'll help. Anything to get off that damn forbes list...But seriously, that beach should be a valuable asset to the community, lets clean it up.

Would love to help but I travel quite a bit (especially on weekends) and cannot guarantee my presence.  Please post the dates and times and I will try to make it there.  I was actually at the beach today and was disappointed in how much trash was in the trees.  However, it would take a lot more than that for me to not love the views from Edgewater.

Ok, here is an update folks...

 

I spoke with ODNR this morning in Columbus and here at the local office. I am trying to get the park to help facilitate a regular clean up. If you, are genuinely committed to making this a weekly thing and can donate just 1 to 2 hours of your time on one day a week to do this, it will help make a world of difference...as well as show those in Columbus at the ODNR HQ (who are often so out of touch with the issues at many parks) that there is a strong interest in reclaiming the parks from litter and/or quality of life issues that may adversely affect the parks.

 

I have one suggestion to anyone interested in helping the State Parks, particularly Edgewater...and that is.. WRITE, PHONE and let then know how you feel about such issues. Here is their website. I would write and call because they are often slow to respond to letters. Be persistent.

 

 

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/default/tabid/10750/default.aspx

 

In my opinion, I feel one of the first and foremost things the parks can do to reduce litter is to go back to the way it was in the past....by removing vending machines, especially in highly populated areas....where there will be no doubt a certain amount of people who visit the parks, will still not know what a garbage can is for, let alone the definition of the term "recycle!" In the past, most people who visited such parks brought in items which they would carry out. Example: Drinks were brought in Coleman dispensers, and foods were packed in Tupperware-like reusable containers.

 

The result was a "carry in...carry out" practice, which is a program the parks are already introducing. In the past, it was just common place. Now it will be a program. I suggested it be introduced to Edgewater, as well as small reminder signs to help promote and generate a 'no littering' atmosphere. The point of signage is not to stop the problem, but rather, offer law enforcement leverage...and to promote a new mindset. Kind of like how lots of Pepsi ads got more people to drink Pepsi...Maybe a few small reminder posts will foster a similar attitude.

 

Vending machines need to go from such state parks because you're only asking for a certain amount of added litter. The amazing philosophy ODNR likes to suggest regarding vending machines in parks...their justification, is that 'it adds revenue'

 

For years, I and many have been biggest critics of that idea because

 

A. It is really sad that making deals with junk food industries is the best they can do for generating revenue...

 

B. They likely need more revenue due to the increased maintenance need at the parks from abuses such as what litter does...and to pay staff to clean it up

 

and C. It is not worth the small few cents that go right back out for above said types of maintenance...to make the kind of embarrassing mess on our public lands that has Ohio rated among stats such as the 'dirtiest beaches' 

 

We can instead, encourage them to promote more volunteerism, more public awareness as to litter.trash issues. This will reduce the need to spend money to manage litter issues more efficiently. ever since our parks invaded the horde of vending machines in...there has been a ten fold increase in litter and spending to deal with it. Also, the need for big ugly dumpsters. So, they are finally learning why this was a mistake by introducing the 'carry in..carry out" policy.

 

Please write to them and support such efforts.

 

I also hope you will help make cleaning up our park a weekly effort. It will go a long way in the eyes of the DNR to give the park the added protection it needs. They could afford to hire more staff if they cut the waste on many other issues that make the parks way too user friendly...But that is another story.

 

Again, please PM me so we can gather a list of volunteers...then I will have you personally email me...After that, I will make a list and we can all coordinate a meeting time and place via email...

 

Hope you will help,

Thanks!

 

 

 

Im defo interested in helping out and i think this is a great idea, but i start work on Saturday's between noon and 3pm, depending how busy we think we're going to get. With the schedule being made weekly i wouldnt know until that week if i can make it or not, but please keep me updated. If i start at 2 or 3 pm I will be there.

Remember....anyone interested in this who PM'd me... I also replied and requested you contact me on my personal email so I can help get this going and we can communicate as a group.

I might suggest that if you get a core group and a confirmed day/time, post it in this thread in case some additional folks would be interested. :-)

I received papers in the mail from the ODNR to register for helping to do sweeps at Edgewater. They can lend support for this if we sign up and we will be recognized and it may generate more involvement. So far, I have a few takers here. I was hoping to get people who could definitely contribute say 1 to 2 hours per week...maybe on Saturdays...to help with this. Is this all we are going to get to want to help with our waterfront? C'mon!!! We're better than this, folks! Let's show some support for this beyond verbal agreement.  :yap:

 

Let's show we give a damn!...  :-) Chop...chop..Owen..C'mon... Let's go!  :clap:

Darn, I am in Manhattan right now....keep us in the loop EC!!!!!

C'mon folks... this is a challenge to discover just how much Cleveland cares about it's beach and green waterfront environment...  3 people so far... I'm recruiting... WE NEED YOU! Edgewater/Lake Erie NEEDS you! Read the above posts to find out how to help...

 

 

Thanks...

it depends what day you are looking at.  Just pick one!

If I do not have something already scheduled I will come (not every time you do it,  but certainly there is some availability).

 

^  Hi, thanks for your interest...  If you can empty your PM box so I can send a note so that you can contact me personally to get on the email list, I would appreciate it. I tried to send a note and the box is full.

 

Thanks!

I sent you a pm, hopefully it made it. I deleted some stuff from my box too

C'mon folks... this is a challenge to discover just how much Cleveland cares about it's beach and green waterfront environment...  3 people so far... I'm recruiting... WE NEED YOU! Edgewater/Lake Erie NEEDS you! Read the above posts to find out how to help... Thanks...

 

Keep in mind that you're recruiting during the busiest time of the summer; it's *absolutely* for a great cause but a lot of other great causes are having events right now and people might already be committed. I don't read that as lack of interest, more of lack of available time. I feel your pain; heck, it's not easy to organize a happy hour for the forum - and that's only asking for people to show up and drink!  :lol:

 

I know I can't commit to any specific day/time - summers are always crazybusy for me; but that's why I said if you get a small core group to decide on a day/time, post it here - and it's likely that some folks will drop by to help out. You don't need to have a huge group to start; so many great causes have started with just a few people so don't be discouraged by a low turnout in the beginning. After all, at one point UrbanOhio only had about 10 members :-)

^ Yes...thank you... Interest has been increasing... 

 

 

Here is the agenda... strike the hammer while the iron is hot...

 

 

I have gathered a list of people who I thought may want to assist with the Edgewater litter sweep. I sent this message to people off forum as well....

 

Who will commit to meeting next Saturday at 11:00 AM at the Edgewater Parking lot....at the TOP portion of the park in the small lot? I need about 5 to 6 people. I have bags and gloves...but I suggest bringing your own as well in case you don't like these gloves...also, bring a bag or two if you can as never know what may be useful.

 

I have documents from the state that we can take a look at if we would like to make this a regular thing...

 

Please RSVP with this ASAP. Your commitment of however long you can help...helps! Let's show some pride in our lakeshore.

 

Call my work phone for questions...330-393-4448.

 

So, I will then plan on next Saturday, August 22 at 11:00 AM and figure we can work 'til 1:00...or however long you can.... I'm sure you cannot miss us. Remember..the UPPER portion of the park in the small parking lot near the 'famous Cleveland view' overlook. Call if you get lost...

 

 

Thank you so much!

 

 

I have to work that day, so I won't be able to make it. Hopefully I can make the next one.

Ok.....whomever can help..any help is good......  Remember..the planned schedule is listed above so if you know anyone who can help...we'd appreciate the help!

I would love to help, but this Saturday is out for me.

 

As an aside, I find it a bit intimidating to try to clean up an entire park/beach on a regular basis.  That being said, I think it would be great for UO to "adopt a spot" somewhere in Cleveland and commit to keeping it clean, maybe planting flowers, etc.  It's a small step toward the bigger goal, but one I feel is more attainable and sustainable than cleaning up a multi-acre park.  I know I've seen "adopt-a-spots" in Lakewood, but is there a Cleveland program?

 

Wouldn't it be cool to see a sign like this with urbanohio.com on it?

 

^

There was a program called "Cleanland" or something to that nature...and city gardens....  But this is a good idea. You would be surprised at how much  a difference just a handful of people can do in a couple hours...In Edgewater...2 strolling the upper path...2 on the lower...2 doing the beach..and 2 doping picnic areas. I planned on focusing on certain areas... if it is kept relatively clean regularly...the job is easy and fast.

 

 

Speaking of areas needing kept clean....the areas under and around the inner-belt bridge in Tremont rains trash. I am also noticing increased litter, trash, debris along shoulders, medians, embankments, ditches, etc..on every single Cleveland highway--the gateways into the city. I wrote to ODOT several times about the lack of upkeep with this. If you look at where I-77 exits onto I-490 going west...Just take a look when you are on the exit curve...and all the crap laying on the side of the road......the slag is so deep you can dig a hole... This continues all the way until you hit 90 West. I know ODOT has "Adopt-A-Highway" ...But this may be limited to certain more rural right-of- ways

 

If there is one thing I wish this city would be more proactive about is the trash/litter/illegal dumping. I am sick of the overall ignoring of this problem. Seeing this sort of thing pervasive along our highways entering into the city creates among the first impressions...and it is embarrassing as hell.

 

I suggest every Urban Ohioan who cares....shoot ODOT some letters/calls. Myself and a few of my friends did last year. Especially to District 12. Last year, according to ODOT....it cost something like 4 million to clean up litter along Ohio highways...most of which comes from idiots who don't know how to use a trash can.

 

Anyway, I am going off topic.... But your comments made me think of this as it is equally important. Maybe we can start a "Litter Along Our City Highways" thread too.... I feel everyone on this site has the ability to really make some visual differences here.

 

Back to our regularly scheduled programming...  Remember..anyone who arrives on the thread late...please scroll back to see the planned schedule for the Edgewater Litter Sweep.

a bottle bill in ohio would definitely help in keeping much of this litter off of streets, highways, parks, etc.

http://www.bottlebill.org/

Yes, Ohio used to have deposits on glass... I checked out this website....  It appears nothing is going on in Ohio about this. I know Sierra Club tried promoting this years ago...But it failed. It blows my mind why we're not doing this. I guess we'd rather spend the millions it takes to clean it up... Or worse, not clean it at all so our state or others like it.. becomes a dumping ground and national embarrassment.

EC-  I want to help and will definitely be there as available.  I dont want to be on the e-mail list...please just post the dates on here and the meeting times and I will be there gloves on hands.  I unfortunately cannot make it this Saturday.  Is there a better time than 11:00 AM on Saturday morning?  That is smack dab in the middle of the weekend.

EC-  I want to help and will definitely be there as available.  I dont want to be on the e-mail list...please just post the dates on here and the meeting times and I will be there gloves on hands.  I unfortunately cannot make it this Saturday.  Is there a better time than 11:00 AM on Saturday morning?  That is smack dab in the middle of the weekend.

 

The problem is that if I propose any other day...someone will say it should have been on another day...and so forth.  The time is only for a couple hours.... and having said that... it is really about how much time you can give when showing up. If you can work for an hour...and cannot come 'til noon..that is ok...  I know people have things going on..work, family, etc..etc. But the point of this was to just commit..and set a couple hours aside and come help a situation that needs to be dealt with.

 

Having it on a weekend where people are there...is actually a good opportunity to show examples of cleaning this up...rather than the example most kids see...of throwing it down. This first meeting was to basically break the ice and does not mean that future ones must be Saturday. Believe me, as I have organized these things before.... if I said 'Sunday, Monday,' or any other day...someone would have a reason they could not attend..I really do hope you can come. Maybe if all just meet...we can all agree on the best day between us all and take an on the spot vote.

11am on Saturday...I will try to attend

I made a thread in the "Events" section, and linked it to the calendar.

^ Thanks.... 

 

Btw, people.....  I have a limited supply of bags/gloves.... so it would help if people could bring some extras. I usually use them for pick-ups in Ohio City.  :clap:

Just a last minute reminder.... tomorrw...11:00 AM-ish....  small lot in upper Edgewater. Scroll back to see the details.

 

Thank You!

A Report On Today's Litter Sweep....

 

 

 

Thanks so much to the handful of people who showed up to make a difference on the shoreline. As this snowballs and we establish a visual presence regularly, people, even the careless pigs, are less apt to throw trash down because they will see that people actually give a damn! Its all a psychological thing. May Day explained it well today. I am also ok if anyone wants to send a note to the paper about doing choosing to do this on a regular basis.

 

Edgewater is a front room and natural green focal point of the shoreline. These areas are going to be a target priority. One of the things I want to address more are the cigarette butts and plastic cigar tips...bread bag ties and bottle caps..collectively, create a huge problem for water quality, visual aesthetics, and wildlife, both aquatic and terrestrial. Next time I will bring a rake and scoop for that.

 

 

In the meanwhile, any writing to ODNR Division of Parks and even The Division Of Wildlife which suggests strong support for litter prevention and clean-up, will help to sway their focus on such. The comforting thought in all of us is that sometimes we think there is 'someone who will take care of it" In reality...there isn't... WE are it... We are the ones who have to start the seeds for developing the kind of mindset and culture that reveres its natural shoreline.

 

It would be good for those who can show up weekly... Just to say "Yes"..then go out and just do it... Those who can make it monthly... Great!!! This means that any given weekend, or month there will be someone there. I will also register us as a group with the state offices. We can use this thread as the communication source to get all on the same page.

 

 

On a side note, but very related...I was also downtown today. As I walked along Euclid, I was disappointed to see that everyone seems to think the tree planters are for discarding cigarette butts. This is not so. It is littering as well. Through the window display program I am working on.... Maybe some of the art can be themed around a "bin-your-butts" subject. Some bins for discarding such would be good.

 

Anyway, the point is...that what some see as small...adds up to be a  lot.. and if collectively, we can all be a part of the problem...then by equal logic, we have to be a part of the solutions. We spoke to a nice person from Italy today and he was appalled to see how so many people here carelessly toss litter onto the ground...and worse yet, to discover that some actually think this is their freedom to do so..what has actually been illegal all along. Sometimes it takes looking at ourselves through the eyes of the rest of the world to see how inappropriate things like this are.

 

 

Ok, we snatched some 6 full bags of trash in only two hours. You would be amazed at what a difference this makes in such a short time. I hope many more will help out. Again...Thanks for the first steps in helping to take parks back from this sort of assault on them. With just 12 people, we can do Upper and Lower Edgewater in a couple hours! Imaging the rewards...imaging the lead-by-example opportunity this presents.. Just two hours of time in the whole week or month. We will do it again really soon... First to be there say "I" That's the report...  Ohio's natural heritage thanks you!  In the future, we can try to make this an afterwards social as well. It was good to start to meet some of you as well!

 

Best,

Robert

 

 

P.S. If anyone is interested... This is some interesting information on "Butts on The Beach" And I don't mean the kind at which we enjoy staring!  :-o

 

 

Here are a couple resources about impacts of butt litter: This is from the "Bin Your Butts" campaign

 

http://www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au/for_households/out_and_about_2032.html

 

 

And here is the "Don't Be A Tosser" campaign:

 

http://www.yass.nsw.gov.au/news/pages/7686.html

 

 

...And... CBS News.. "Cigarette Litter Remains A Beach"

 

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/07/national/main2896929.shtml

 

 

I wish I could have been there and not working, but thanks to those who went for their contribution.

I was out there on Saturday.... The handful of people who joined me did a great job. We picked up 5 or 6 large trash bags full of garbage, in the upper portion of the park alone. The park looked great and the locals definitely noticed. I was approached by at least 4 people who gripped about the condition of the park, applauded us for the work we were doing and asked how they could help (of course I led them to urbanohio) This cleanup made a big difference and I hope it can turn into something done on a regular basis.

If we start it as monthly, aside from dead winter when all is snow, etc...  Can we commit to every 4th Saturday of the month....same time...meet at same place. Hubz, if you can participate as you say and recruit a lot of volunteers for a weekly thing....then that would be a great way to get it noticed. The more it is kept after, the easier this becomes. 

can this and the event thread be combined?

Here is a great slogan for anti-butt littering (a bigger problem than people think)  Have some bikini butts in one picture... Nice ones....and a cigarette butt in another...and the caption can read... "Butts on the beach----these!!!.... NOT....these! and under it the appropriate picture would be placed! Someone can draw that up...compose it...and I will submit it to the park personnel.. I am sure they'll love it!

Was a good success on saturday. Just in the small front parking lot alone my cousin and i spent a good 45 minutes picking up nothing but cigarette butts and black and mild plastic tips from between the curbs. It was absolutely disgusting, and something needs to be done about the constant flicking of cig butts out of windows. Littering is littering, and someone needs to crack down and ticket/fine these offenders.

Anyway, as long as my work schedule doesnt interfere i will be there the 4th saturday of the every month. Ill continue to try to bring more people and just spread the word to what we are doing. Every additional person is a great help.

Notice: Anyone who thought the trash scenario was shameful....It would also be a good idea to call the State parks HQ to express these concerns so we can help ti implement some much needs simple changes. Their number is 614-265-6561

Can anyone participate this Saturday...same time/place....  Those who can on the 4th Sat. of September..great! Some expressed interest in each Saturday. Those of you who can...say "I"  I may not be able to do it Saturday... But that shouldn't stop anyone else who could go....from going...as the idea is just to gewt whomeber can show up....on a given sat. to show up.

 

Thought I'd throw this out there... Keep rollin' :-)

 

 

I posted on the event listing that there's a Friends of Edgewater Park that is designed to do things such as clean-ups and advocacy.  Have you checked them out?  Maybe you can work together on projects and pool your resources.

^ Actually, I would appreciate it if someone could make that group aware of these efforts.  A quick note would be appreciated. I have my hands in 15 different projects at the moment and one little note like that could mean a world of thanks!  :-) Can someone please do that?

 

Tomorrow, I a talking to the new park manager to address these issues. Please, people, it takes more than me doing this....we need to call the park, ODNR and simply suggest we need better attention in this park.

 

Anyway, let me see some hands for Next month...the fourth saturday...or even this one..... 

 

 

 

 

Hello all Edgewater Park/Beach Improvement enthusiasts.....  Important note I received from the new manager art the park, when I asked if he received my sign-up information officially dedicating an "URBAN OHIO EDGEWATER VOLUNTEER CLEAN-UP GROUP." All this does is allow park management identify who is cleaning up the park at any given time should we also need a helping hand. It would be good if other concerned individuals keep in touch with park management on these issues.

 

Thank You...  Here is their response...and their contact details. Now it is so easy to write or call right from your keyboard. Your involvement is appreciated.

 

Yes, we received the Group Agreement and a copy has been filed so that the volunteers will be partially covered by Workers’ Compensation as long as they have signed up on the “Group Sign Up Form” prior to participating.  That form needs to be returned to our office at the conclusion of each activity/clean-up.  I will be adding the 4th Saturday of each month at 11:00 a.m. to the park schedule in case a member of our staff has the ability to check up or participate in the clean-up.  Please keep us informed of any changes to that schedule.

 

 

 

We have discussed the litter issues within the park and hope to make an immediate impact by strategically placing trash receptacles and butt cans throughout the beach.  We will make an attempt to educate the park visitor on the proper disposal of “trash”.  As the weather warms, we hope to have the opportunity to remove or paint over the graffiti within the park.  Once we get into a new budget year and I have a summer to experience the issues within the park, I am hoping we will have the resources to consider additional programs within the park.  These include the possibility of additional equipment and grant money to assist with educating the visitor.  In addition, we are in communication with the Solid Waste District in an attempt to reduce “legal” dumping when the overflows are redesigned near the beaches.

 

 

 

Thank you for your continued support and coordination of this group.  I anticipate continued improvements within the park and hope that those will be evident to all park visitors.

 

 

 

Jim Seikel

 

Regional Park Manager

 

Cleveland Lakefront/Headlands Beach

 

8701 Lakeshore Blvd. N.E.

 

Cleveland, Ohio 44108-1069

 

Phone: 216-881-8141 x3003

 

Fax: 216-881-9256

Nice work--let everyone know when the spring cleaning is happening! 

 

Now if we could just get that West Shoreway conversion project happening  :-D

I'm with an organization called the Friends of Edgewater State Park. I think the monthly clean up idea is great and hope that we can get some of our members to participate. Also, if any of you are interested in joining, we meet monthly and we co-sponsor several clean ups throughout the year. This month's meeting is April 20th - email me for more info. We also have a facebook page.

Sounds great!

I can't make it but thought I'd post the info I received via email - there's an Edgewater cleanup scheduled for this Saturday, May 1st from 11am to 1pm - meet at the small parking lot on the upper (westernmost) area. Bring gloves and trash bags if possible.

 

Contact Robert [email protected] or 330-393-4448 to RSVP.