Spring Clean Sweep set for this Sunday

OCEAN TOWNSHIP - Residents who participate in the township's Spring Clean Sweep will have their hard work rewarded with the latest in environmentally correct fashion - a free T-shirt made of recycled plastics and cotton.

The township's 2007 Spring Clean Sweep Event will take place Sunday. Sponsored by the Clean Communities Advisory Committee, the Clean Sweep was initiated by the Township Council more than 16 years ago to call attention to the amount of litter in neighborhoods and the damage litter does to the environment.

The event gives residents a chance to help protect and beautify the environment they live in.

In the past, many Boy and Girl Scout Troops, school groups such as The National Honor Society, Key Club and TOGS, and many families and individuals have participated in this event. As a result of this community involvement, over 37,400 pounds of litter has been picked up. This event is a great way to help the environment and prevent flooding conditions by picking up litter before it causes stormwater blockage.

Clean Sweep has resulted in more than 10,000 pounds of litter being recycled, preventing it from finding its way into lakes, streams or ocean waters.

The Clean Communities Advisory Committee wants the event to continue to grow and needs the help of the residents of Ocean Township.

"Litter is something we should all be concerned about since it detracts from the natural beauty of our township and can easily be prevented," Councilwoman Donna L. Schepiga, council liaison to the committee, reminds residents.

Schepiga encourages residents and businesses to help prevent litter and keep their township clean by maintaining litter-free properties and roadsides.

Residents are asked to come out April 22 and join in this worthy activity.

Participants will receive a free T-shirt made of recycled plastics and cotton and some light snacks back at the West Park Recreation Center at the conclusion of the event.

The Clean Communities Advisory Committee will be on hand to answer questions and give out information regarding the recycling program and regulations. The newest edition of the Monmouth County Recycling Directory will also be available.

Participants will meet at the West Park Avenue Recreation Center between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. where teams will be formed and assigned an area to pick up litter. Participants are required to provide their own transportation to their work site. Gloves, bags and safety vests will be provided.

Since this is an outdoor event, participants should dress accordingly; light-colored long pants and long-sleeve shirts are suggested. Participants should also remember to check for ticks when they get home.

In the event of inclement weather, call (732) 517-8568 for cancellation information on the morning of April 22. The rain date for the event is April 29. For more information about the 2007 Spring Clean Sweep, contact Laurie McGrath, Ocean Township Clean Communities coordinator, at (732) 531-5000, ext. 364.