Two youngsters wearing blue shirts hold a blue recycle bucket as they help out in the Goleta Cleanup Day. (Nate Cannon Photo)
Kids, and adults, of all ages joined the cleanup effort in Goleta. (Nate Cannon Photo)

The Goleta community proved that working together can make a significant incredible impact when residents of all ages gathered at Stow Canyon Open Space for the 4th Annual Beautify Goleta Earth Day, April 18, and rolled up their sleeves to protect and preserve the local environment.

The dedication of community members resulted in strong showings across local streets, parks, and open spaces like Lake Los Carneros, the city said.

• 62 volunteers stepped up to take action. 
• 386 lbs. of litter were removed from our local ecosystems. 
• 72% of the collected waste was recyclable material (glass, metal and plastic), as discovered during an interactive volunteer waste audit. 
• 54 vehicles participated in the neighboring free Bulky Item Drop-Off on Westmoreland Place. 
• 8,000-plus lbs. of bulky waste were safely disposed of including couches, wood furniture, and even a broken piano.

Organizers offer thanks to event captain Tidy Seas, which fostered community engagement and provided safety gear such as gloves, trash-grabbers, buckets, and high-visibility vests. 

The cleanup day offered attendees educational resources as well, including informational booths hosted by local champions of sustainability Goleta Valley Library, city of Goleta’s Sustainability Division, Less Is More, Mission Refill, and MarBorg Industries. 
 
“The most inspiring takeaway was the strong presence of our community and our families,” event officials said.

“It was great to see entire families volunteering together,” said Kui Xu, Goleta’s principal civil engineer, who volunteered to help staff.
 
With the official Earth Day this week on April 22,  the city suggested some ways to keep the cleanup momentum going:

• Pick it up: Help maintain Goleta’s cleanliness by making litter collection a part of your everyday neighborhood walks and adventures. 
• Lock it down: Ensure your own waste stays contained at home by keeping your trash and dumpster lids securely closed when not in use. 
• Keep an eye out for the next Beautify Goleta event coming in July to celebrate Plastic Free July.