Editor:
On Easter weekend a large group celebrated at Whispering Firs Park –– perfect timing since neighbourhood volunteers, along with the FireSmart Team, had just contributed a hundred-plus hours clearing a section of the park for a FireSmart initiative.
It appears the families had fun, enjoying “cascarones,” or hollowed-out eggs that are filled with confetti and other objects then affectionately cracked on others to spread good fortune. Unfortunately, the group also left the park covered in confetti, with painted eggshells, bits of mylar ribbon, plastic, foil and glitter littering the trails, picnic area, playground and Memorial Garden.
One may argue whether or not egg shells are a bear attractant, or whether paper confetti introduces unwanted chemicals into the ecosystem, but the park bylaw is clear: “No person shall deposit any garbage, ...paper or other waste material in a park or trail except in receptacles provided...;”
We asked parks to suggest litter-free alternatives. They replied that other options, such as hole-punched leaves or rice paper, would need to be discussed with the bylaw department to ensure compliance.
On Earth Day, volunteers spent five hours cleaning up some of the mess. A few days later, others, perhaps event participants, cleaned up more. It’s now four weeks post event, yet despite volunteer efforts and some rainy days, there is still a disheartening amount of event litter within the park boundaries. It’s not just ribbon and foil, but paper confetti that doesn’t appear to degrade as quickly as the participants might have assumed.
Hopefully future organizers will consider the impact their litter has on others, both human and animal. Embracing alternatives, such as cleaning up post-event and/or consulting with park staff about litter-free cascarones, would help keep the park the beautiful, shared space that so many of us love.
Fiona Pinnell, on behalf of Woodcreek Park Neighbourhood Association
