Aspinwall seeking volunteers to make borough greener, cleaner

Greener and cleaner is the aim of Aspinwall’s spring litter collection, scheduled from April 23 to 25 to celebrate Earth Day.

“Green Streets” is a decade-long effort that relies on volunteers to make the trash pickup a success.

“This is a family-friendly volunteer opportunity that allows Aspinwall residents to take pride in the upkeep of their community and to do their part to keep litter out of our river,” said Sarah Shaffer, vice president of Aspinwall Neighbors.

The group has sponsored the community cleanup in an effort to spur pride and keep the borough picturesque.

In past years, work days have drawn up to 100 people dutifully bagging trash from the borough’s streets and parks. They typically collect enough to fill a truck, Shaffer said.

Aspinwall Neighbors will provide gloves and garbage bags. Supply kits will be available beginning April 20 at the borough building during regular business hours.

Volunteers can work at their convenience but are asked to register for specific areas to focus their efforts. Low-traffic, family-friendly spaces esuch as playgrounds and parks are available.

Details on signups will be available soon at aspinwallneighbors.org.

Volunteer Andy Collins readily rolled up his sleeves and joined the effort because he said the beautification of Aspinwall is a high priority.

“Green Streets provides a regular opportunity for residents to generate pride in the community,” he said. “Initially a litter-tackling program, I want to see how the program can grow into other potential beautification efforts.”

Collins will lead an Adopt-A-Block program, which expands on the scheduled, mass cleanups and instead solicits residents and business owners to take ownership of a stretch of borough roads and keep them free from trash year-round.

That program will launch during the Earth Day event, and residents can register for specific, high-traffic areas and commit to monthly cleanups.

For more, email Andy@aspinwallneighbors.org.