ASHLAND – Litter is disappearing from various sites around Ashland, thanks to group of volunteers participating in #trashtagashland.
With two sites down and another on tap, the volunteers have already bagged up and disposed of 10 trash bags full of waste. They’re hoping to increase their impact by attracting additional volunteers.
The #trashtag concept didn’t originate in Ashland. People all over the world have taken part in the “Trash Tag Challenge” this spring, posting before and after photos of trash cleanup projects on social media.
Local resident Nancy Wasen said she saw the movement on TV and decided to bring the idea to Ashland.
“I have long been into recycling and also clean up trash in the alley behind my home on a weekly basis,” Wasen said.
Wasen said she and the local #trashtag team was also inspired by the Friends for the Future Facebook group.
Started by Karisa Wild, that group promotes local events pertaining to the environment, clean-up projects and environmental advocacy.
One of Friends of the Future’s major undertakings has been the cleanup of the area in and around Jamison Creek Nature Preserve.
The #trashtagashland group’s first cleanup April 22 was on Ohio 60 South at the BellStores overnight parking lot. Wasen, Veronika Roberts and Barb Lindsay gathered six bags of trash.
On the next cleanup day, the number of volunteers had doubled to six. The group filled four trash bags with litter from the area behind Family Dollar and Family Video on Claremont Avenue.
The group has planned a third cleanup 6 p.m. May 20 on Virginia Avenue by the railroad tracks near 7th Street.
Anyone who wishes to volunteer should wear heavy gloves. Bags will be provided by The City of Ashland.
For more information or future volunteer opportunities, search for the hashtag #trashtagashland on Facebook or call Wasen at 419-651-2357.
Local residents can also contact the group with suggested cleanup locations.
