Making a difference at the South Platte River cleanup

To commemorate Earth Day, dozens of volunteers from around Denver and I collected 649 pounds of trash from the South Platte River area near Confluence Park. We partnered with United by Blue,Patagonia, Can’d Aid and Ocean First. 

Much of the trash was single use plastics like beverage bottles, plastic bags, coffee cup lids etc, plastic items that are used once, but then can pollute our environment for centuries.

Along with plastics, electronic waste (e-waste), like this television, was another thing we pulled from the river. 

E-waste contains hazardous toxic pollution. It releases contaminants such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic into our environment. It was alarming to see it had accumulated in our neighborhood river.

At the event, I petitioned for the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act. Tiny plastic pellets called “nurdles” are being dumped into our environment by the millions — and often, the companies doing the dumping face no penalty. The Act will require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue a ruling addressing plastic pellets. 

Folks were eager to sign the petition to support the legislation and you can too.