London Clean and Green campaign gets underway for 29th year running

The campaign, now in its 29th year, was officially launched Tuesday at the Tourism London Welcome Centre. It promotes litter prevention and community-led cleanups across London.

It’s spring cleaning in London, Ont., as the city’s annual two-week Clean and Green campaign begins.

The campaign, now in its 29th year, was officially launched Tuesday at the Tourism London Welcome Centre.

Since 1996, the campaign has promoted litter prevention and community-led cleanups across London. It consists of the 12 Days of Cleaning leading up to the 20-minute London Makeover on April 19 and the Community-wide Clean-up and Earthfest on April 20.

“With the snow now gone, we’ve all seen the litter on the ground, so the London Clean and Green campaign gets started this time every year,” says Jay Stanford, director of climate change, environment, and waste management with the city.

Stanford says more than ever, Londoners need to do their part in picking up litter, be it through large scale clean-ups or picking up a few pieces on a walk.

“Throughout the month of April, we have a lot of large cleanups, so you can easily join larger groups in London doing their part,” Stanford said.

“But it is so important to take that time and effort now to get the city ready for those summer months ahead.”

The “12 Days of Cleaning” encourages Londoners to tidy up their homes, backyard sheds, or tackle any spring cleaning while making sure every piece of litter goes where it needs to go, the city says.