Single-use plastics are everywhere. They start with a purpose in stores and homes, but many end up in natural areas like parks, trails, waterways, and even in the deepest, most remote parts of the ocean. The plastics that make it to the trash bin fill up landfills, taking centuries to break down.
The High Line Canal winds 71 miles through rural, suburban, and urban neighborhoods; all 71 miles have seen plastic pollution. Litter on our local trails and waterways, like the Canal, is dangerous for wildlife, soil health, plants, and people. The Canal Conservation Corps volunteers participate in trash cleanups all year long, but we are joining an extra challenge this July!
The Plastic Free July EcoChallenge is a global initiative to refuse and reduce single-use plastics in our everyday lives for the month of July. Organizations around the world build teams that participate in group and individual actions that reduce the use of plastics. Join the High Line Canal Conservancy’s team to get started and learn what actions you can take to decrease plastic pollution!
Here’s how you can get involved!
When you click the link to sign-up and join our team, you will discover dozens of different sustainability actions that you can pledge to take during July. The Conservancy team will gain points when you sign up and every time you complete an action like using a reusable water bottle, remembering your reusable bags at the grocery store, or participating in a trash cleanup!
2. Join our Community Trash Cleanups
One of our group actions is to host two community trash cleanups along the Canal in July! You can join us on July 22 or 27 to help us clean up the Canal. We host cleanups all year long, so you can also join us after the July challenge ends.
3. Host an Independent Cleanup
Is there a spot on the Canal that you want to clean up? We will support your Independent Cleanup event by providing all the supplies you need and recommending locations in need of cleaning! This program allows you to schedule a cleanup on your time, whether you want to pick up trash by yourself or organize a large group event. The Independent Cleanup page on our website has all of the details about this program.
No matter how you choose to join the challenge, we appreciate your support! Together we can decrease our reliance on single-use plastics and keep it out of our treasured green spaces.
