Have you noticed garbage on the streets of Basel? Whether it’s cigarette butts, candy wrappers, food containers, plastic waste, or empty water bottles and beer cans; whether it has been blown there by the wind or carelessly discarded—encountering trash in our daily environment is not only annoying but also a danger to the environment. Do you want to do something about it? Why not join a friendly group of like-minded people on one of the monthly organized clean-up sessions and become a Trash Hero!

Trash Hero Basel—a non-profit organization with charitable objectives—was founded in January 2020 as a part of the global Trash Hero network, whose mission is to bring communities around the world together to clean up and reduce waste, educate, and inspire sustainability by changing mindsets. Each month, the Basel chapter organizes a clean-up action somewhere in the city or along the Rhein. Equipped with trash bangs and gloves, volunteers collect everything that doesn’t belong on the ground. Afterwards, all the bags are emptied, recyclable materials such as PET, glass, and metal are sorted out. Moreover, to further highlight the problems associated with discarded cigarette butts, every single butt is counted! Visit their website to see a full breakdown of each of their events to date, the number of participants, and the detailed breakdown of what was collected.

The event dates and meeting locations are posted on the Trash Hero Basel Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TrashHeroBasel) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/trashherobasel/) pages, or check our calendar. Everyone is invited to join in—there is no cost and no sign-up, just show up! They provide the garbage bags, but voluteers should bring their own gloves (work or gardening gloves are ideal), as well as any collection tools or containers if they prefer. Weather-appropriate clothing as well as drinks and snacks are recommended. The clean-ups are held in German but they also speak English and French and can explain in multiple languages. So why not gather some friends or family and join an event. The events, including collecting and sorting, typically last about 2 hours. You will help clean and beautify our environment, while getting fresh air and exercise, and meeting new people—English speakers are welcome!

If you would like to support this wonderful cause but cannot personally volunteer to pick up trash, you can help by making a financial donation on their website—and spread the word!

https://www.trashhero.org/network/trash-hero-basel

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