Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) received a facelift as volunteers joined the annual P.E.I. Women’s Institute roadside cleanup over the weekend. Since 1973, this province-wide initiative has seen participants scouring fields, tree lines, and streets to rid them of litter. Many groups utilized the iconic yellow Women’s Institute bags or clear bags to collect items such as coffee cups, glass, and cigarette butts.
Virginia McGowan, the director of environmental service at the Rotary Club of Charlottetown, emphasized the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy island for everyone to enjoy. McGowan expressed concern over the persistent environmental impact of discarded items like cigarette butts and coffee cups, urging people to be more mindful of their actions.
This marks the second year of participation for the group, with plans to continue their cleanup efforts, possibly in the fall. The Rotary Club of Charlottetown previously gathered a truckload of trash during a cleanup, highlighting the ongoing issue of litter despite the island’s natural beauty. However, this year showed improvements, with the group collecting 10-15 bags of garbage around Lower Malpeque Road and Sleepy Hollow Road.
In addition to the Rotary Club of Charlottetown, UPEI’s Rotaract Club also took part in the cleanup. President Renee Darville emphasized the importance of thoroughness in cleaning up, noting that even small pieces of litter can pose risks to wildlife in the area. Darville highlighted the need for vigilance in protecting the local environment from harmful debris.