Elkay Manufacturing invites Clinton, IA, and Savanna, IL, area residents to join a Mississippi River Shoreline Clean-Up Day, on Saturday, April 17, 2021. Elkay co-hosts a Plastics Tracking Study, coordinated by the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI.)
This event is in conjunction with the Mayors of Clinton, IA, Savanna, IL, who are both active members of MRCTI.
Residents are invited to serve as “citizen scientists,” collecting and helping track plastic waste along the shoreline, as part of a larger environmental study project.
This fun, clean-up event from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., will allow residents to come together as a community, enjoy nature, and make a difference in the study’s success–while beautifying our local shoreline. In Clinton, the meeting place is Rotary Park, with collection opportunities in any of the Parks along the riverfront. The Savanna event will start at Marquette Park, with plastics collectors heading south along the river.
Acting as “citizen scientists,” attendees will collect plastic waste they find at select sites along the riverbanks. Participants will log their findings as they go, using an easy-to-use, free mobile app called the Marine Debris Tracker. Download the app to your mobile device, from Apple Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android.) Participants will use this app to record data on litter, using GPS to log the location where they found the debris.
The company will hand out trash collection bags at Clinton and Savanna event meeting places. They will bring information about the tracking study; local debris “hot spots” where the most plastic debris is expected to be found; how to download and use the Marine Debris Tracker App; information about Elkay Manufacturing. Mayors Maddasion and Lain will speak at their respective kick-off events, followed by a raffle, before the crowd disperses to gather the plastics. The raffle will include products from Elkay and other local businesses. Elkay is extremely excited to include two bottle filler coolers as a part of this raffle.
“I know a lot of people are chomping at the bit to get outdoors and do some good in the world,” said Clinton Mayor Scott Maddasion. “This day of volunteering, which benefits one of our most precious local resources, is tailor-made to help residents fulfill that urge to get out in nature and make a difference in our local community.”
Social Distancing is required. The event is open to the public, and all parties involved hope is for a great turnout! However, both Mayors and Elkay leadership stress the importance of maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, and bringing gloves to protect your hands from the debris you will be handling. Trash bags will be provided to collect plastics and other trash along the riverfront and parks. The risk of COVID-19 is still on everyone’s minds. The goal is to make a positive change in the world, while keeping participants safe.
“It helps that we will be outdoors, but we still advise our employee volunteers to practice physical distancing, and to wear their masks when unable to keep six feet apart from others,” said Connie Dell, Elkay’s HR Manager for the Savanna, Lanark, and Freeport plants.
“This study is a perfect opportunity for our employees to use their Paid Volunteer Time to make a difference on an issue that we care passionately about. This event gives Elkay a chance to connect with the community. We’re a growing company. We are excited about our current expansion and what it means for our team members and our communities. Due to the high demand for touchless water bottle filling stations brought on by the pandemic, we are hiring for many positions,” Dell stated. “Anyone interested in learning more about the Elkay products, our company mission, and career opportunities with Elkay can stop by the event.”
The clean-up is part of a larger plastics tracking study led by the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI) in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme, National Geographic Society, and the University of Georgia, to combat plastic pollution along one of the world’s most remarkable waterways. This initiative’s pilot phase collects data along the upper, middle, and lower Mississippi River in early 2021. The data gathered in these locations will then be analyzed to understand the state of plastic litter along the River’s banks. This initiative also serves as an educational resource by working with schools, teachers, and students in the region, to enhance their knowledge on marine plastics and pollution reduction.