Since 1996, the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and the town of Auburn have worked in tandem to coordinate a biennial town-wide cleanup around Earth Day.
Throughout the years there have been countless community groups, businesses and residents who have donated their time and services to make each town-wide cleanup a success.
Unfortunately, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the country, many communities have had to change their Earth Day activities. The Auburn Chamber of Commerce and town of Auburn have made the tough decision to postpone the town-wide cleanup event that was scheduled for May 1.
Despite the change in plans, the Auburn chamber and the town of Auburn recognize the importance of keeping the town clean, not only for the positive environmental impacts, but to show Auburn pride throughout the community.
The chamber and town hope to hold the town-wide cleanup in the fall of 2021, depending on the status of reopening guidelines.
The chamber and town do not want to take a chance and let another year go by without this cleanup effort and are encouraging businesses and residents to take the initiative and do a mini cleanup around their properties on Earth Day, April 22, with hopes the larger effort can take place in the fall. If people celebrate the day by volunteering their time to make the town cleaner their efforts will go a long way toward Auburn pride.
Over the years, the town cleanup event has not been possible without the many volunteers, who roll up their sleeves, grab gloves and recycling bags, donated by Masterman’s, and pick up litter around town.
The waterways that pass through Auburn, along with the five major arteries, make the cleanup process daunting. Add the parks, schools and railroad tracks to the mix and it is a major cleanup project.
The pride that people have for Auburn and keeping it looking clean make the day worthwhile, and some would even say fun.
This day allows residents and visitors to walk throughout town, look around and not focus on the trash but to enjoy being outside and helping the community. It is estimated that volunteers have picked up approximately 70 tons of trash and more than 800 tires since 1996.
If you take the time to pick up litter around town during the April mini clean up, the Auburn Chamber would love the opportunity to celebrate your efforts.
Since we cannot see you all in person just yet, we are asking businesses, residents and volunteers to send before and after pictures of their cleanup efforts. These pictures will be posted on the Auburn Chamber of Commerce webpage to encourage people to follow suit and collectively help the environment and show pride in our wonderful town.
If you participate in your own cleanup and would like to submit a photo, please send to vmurphy@worcesterchamber.com .
Please note, we are encouraging everyone to follow CDC guidelines during their cleanup efforts. Thank you in advance for joining us in this collective effort. Your time and service are invaluable to the chamber and town of Auburn.