Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful’s focus on trash-free land makes them a natural ally to our work on trash-free water! Since every Earth Month we work together to coordinate the “Green Team,” now’s the perfect time to shine a spotlight on some of their other programs.

Since 2020, KTLCB has co-coordinated the “Green Team” at the Mercy Health Glass City Marathon, bringing supplies as well as recruiting volunteers to help manage recycling and composting at one of Toledo’s biggest events. They work behind the scenes with us to help race organizers make more sustainable choices. On the University of Toledo campus where the race after-party takes place, KTLCB supports and supplements University of Toledo’s recycling efforts.

KTLCB has also partnered on several clean-ups over the years. Last year, we worked together on an Ottawa River clean-up focused on the Stickney Ave. bridge where the Toledo Trash Trapper “Brute Bin” device was located. At that clean-up, volunteers collected 36 pounds of trash. That might sound like it’s on the lighter end, but a lot of what was collected included chunks of Styrofoam and paper that had been shredded by a lawnmower, meaning it filled several big bags!

In addition to hosting trash clean-ups of their own, KTLCB focuses on recycling education and sustainable event services. One of their latest efforts is a checkout system providing reusable, zero-waste dishware for events of up to fifty people. They also recently began a Sustainable Restaurant Program. After interested restaurants have completed a short survey and consultation regarding their green practices, KTLCB gives them a “Sustainable Leaf” rating of 1 to 5 leaves, indicating each location’s success in implementing green practices.

Over the years, KTLCB and PCS have worked together to share supplies and co-coordinate clean-up volunteers. We’re proud to be their partner in sustainability.