Pitch in and help the Earth

#Middlebury #EarthDay

By MARJORIE NEEDHAM

Today, Thursday, April 22, is Earth Day 2021. Middlebury residents can celebrate it Saturday, April 24, by participating in Middlebury’s annual litter pickup and by taking their recyclable bottles and cans to the Boy Scout Troops 5 and 6 bottle drive.

Due to COVID-19, volunteers for the litter pickup won’t meet at Meadowview Park on litter pickup day as they usually do. Instead, they can call DanaLyn Dowling at 203-627-9580 to request bags and gloves they can use to pick up litter. There’s a lot of litter along the Greenway waiting to be picked up, but there’s also a lot of litter along our roads, so volunteers can choose where they want to spend their time.

Dowling said, “It’s a great opportunity to get out with your kids and teach them about Earth Day and cleaning up and not throwing out their garbage. It teaches them a life lesson of taking care of our Earth.” She also said there’s no need to wait until April 24 to get out and start picking up trash. Help beautify the town any day.

Whenever you go out, Dowling said it’s important to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Bug spray and sun screen also are recommended. There’s a lot of poison ivy out there (leaves of three, let it be) and the ticks are out, too.

If you need someone to pick up the bags of trash you collect, Dowling will be available April 24 to pick it up and take it to the transfer station. Text or call her at 203-627-9580 to let her know you need bags picked up. Please be sure all bags are tied shut.

The Middlebury Boy Scout Troops 5 & 6 bottle and can drive fundraiser Saturday, April 24, will be from 9 a.m. to 1 pm. at the Village Square Plaza at 530 Middlebury Road in Middlebury Proceeds from the fundraiser go to camping equipment, scouting events and the development of our future leaders.

Please note that Gatorade and Powerade plastic bottles are not redeemable. Another bottle and can drive will be held Saturday June 5, also from 9 am. to 1 p.m. at Village Square Plaza.