When creating Trenton 365 it was a concept that focused on action
steps. Those action steps have always
included an eclectic group of participants who come together for a particular
cause to give what they can in an effort to improve the community.
Trenton has a major problem with trash and the attitudes that go with it. I believe most people would rather live,
work, play and visit a clean environment.
When making this statement I then ask “Why does a historic town of less
than 7.5 Sq Miles have such a problem with litter?”
The simple answer would be to blame “those people” and then follow up with
ignorant statements about whole groups of people, usually based upon someones
appearance.
Stay tuned for Trenton 365’s efforts regarding conversations around
racism.
In 2011, at the Bethany House of Hospitality clean up in Trenton NJ, I met
Elissa Horan, Trentonian, Artist, Educator and creator of CARETRENTON, whose “mission
is to make Trenton a clean, safe, happy, and fun place to live, work, and play.
It’s that simple.” Immediately
we connected and began chatting about ideas, projects etc. This video is from the Bethany House of
Hospitality Trenton NJ clean up where I met Elissa.
Trenton 365 has partnered on several occasions with retailers,
non-profits, for-profits, municipalities, locals and many more with the belief
that a clean city is an important part of proper functionality and critical to
attracting visitors and potential new residents, here are a few of our efforts.
MLK Day of Service Clean Up 2015 with Trenton Going Global
Neighborhood Clean Ups in Trenton NJ
Kiwanis Club of Trenton Great Egg Hunt 2015
It pains me to see people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds litter such
as throwing a used cigarette “butt” from a car, dropping take out food residue and
or containers on the ground after finishing a meal, discarding a plastic bag on
the ground and of course the illegal dumping of debris on private and public
property.
I am sure there are several reasons behind why people act this way, most
of which I don’t understand but I do know it is illegal and not tolerated in
other local/regional municipalities. I
like to use the examples of visiting New Hope PA or Princeton NJ, most visitors
would never think of littering in those municipalities, then why is it
tolerated in Trenton?
Have a look at some of the answers I have heard from different people in
various positions within this and former Trenton Administration's:
People in Trenton just don’t care.
We don’t have the ability to enforce the law.
We do not have enough trash cans.
Trash cans are expensive and people steal them.
We do not have the personnel to empty public trash cans.
There is a language barrier regarding litter and cleanliness.
I think I have a solution or at least one that could generate interest and
provide a “teaching moment.”
The “Adopt A Trash Receptacle Program.”
Let’s partner with a manufacturer or retailer and distribute plastic trash receptacles. Businesses, residents and
organizations would adopt a receptacle and commit to maintaining it and the
surroundings within the ordinances and laws of the city.
Programming would be done inconjunction with several events to highlight
the efforts.
South Ward Councilman George Muschal has assisted on several occasions
with efforts cleaning up the city, and this article was recently posted in a
print media outlet.
I am not sure of Councilman Muschal’s issues with the City of Trenton
Clean – Up Committee but I can tell you the “Adopt A Trash Receptacle” concept has
been submitted to members of this and the previous administration as well as
other committees.
Have a look at the trash receptacles, sourced from a national retailer
with signage created by a Trenton based business, and on location at 2 Trenton businesses.
I hope Trenton, as a City, as New Jersey’s Capital and the place where
George Washington became George Washington will recognize the importance of
cleanliness, enforce the ordinances/laws regarding littering and be a leader for
what a post industrial can be.
This image is from a Trenton 365 Project, "Adopt A Trash Receptacle." This is project is a partnership of CARETRENTON, Zienowicz Signs and Trenton 365.
This image is from a Trenton 365 Project, "Adopt A Trash Receptacle." This is project is a partnership of CARETRENTON, Zienowicz Signs and Trenton 365.
