NORTH BAY -- With the goal of keeping neighbourhoods litter-free, a group in North Bay is kicking off a city-wide challenge called 'Clean Up Your Own Yard'.
This is part of the first neighbourhood clean-up challenge of the year launched by community organization Clean, Green, Beautiful North Bay.
The group is asking people to clean their own yards and homes of any litter.
"We can find ways to clean our environment and make it a healthier place for all of us," said Clean, Green, Beautiful Committee Member Hariett Madigan.
Mother-daughter duo Tiffany and Emily Womack were filling multiple bags with discarded garbage on Lakeshore Drive near the creek--a hot spot for leftover litter.
"We decided to do this area because a lot of garbage gathers here from the neighbouring community and from the grocery store," said Tiffany Womack.
The Womacks have been doing their part keeping the environment healthy for the past few weeks cleaning areas around the city known for excessive debris.
The pair say they have made significant headway over at the West Ferris Secondary School sports complex.
"We're making a big difference in the community and that makes me feel good," said Emily Womack.
"Just going to West Ferris and seeing how clean it is now, since it was so dirty when we started there."
At least 4,000 bags full of garbage were properly disposed of during last year's clean-up campaign.
"The culture has changed," said Madigan. "We're in this for the long run to change the culture."
For Emily Womack, she has a simple message for those who choose to litter.
"I just want them to realize the impact we're having on our environment, the animals and the wildlife, on us and our city."
The group hopes that by launching this city-wide challenge, people will be inspired to do their part in keeping the earth Clean, Green and Beautiful for everyone.
