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Campus clean-up: underwear and lots of plastic

Yesterday, a campus clean-up took place, organized by Troep Troopers Eindhoven together with Green Cafe. In less than an hour and a half, about sixty kilos of litter was collected. The catch: suitcases, underwear, bits of mopeds, bottles and huge amounts of plastic.

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photo Troep Troopers Eindhoven

“Troep Troopers Eindhoven organizes clean-ups in parks and other green areas in Eindhoven. Green Cafe is an initiative of Trefpunt Groen Eindhoven, who focus on informative events about nature and sustainability”, Erdem Cerit says, coordinator at both volunteer organizations.

Yesterday, the two organizations joined forces to clean up the TU/e campus. Anyone could join in, young or old, student or not, Dutch or international. A total of 27 volunteers helped out. “Yesterday was a nice mix of Dutch people and internationals of different ages. Amongst others, we had two young nature enthusiasts below ten years old, and several people over sixty,” Cerit says. "There were also three students from the GO Green Office, and two members of Partij voor de Dieren (political party, ed.).”

Cerit (left) hands out tools to all volunteers. Photo | Troep Troopers Eindhoven
"But the campus seems tidy"

Around the buildings this may seem so, but according to Cerit, this image changes very quickly when you actively look for it. "The litter is often hidden under the bushes," he explains. "And around the green areas, like the river, it's always bad."

Litter from under the bushes. Photo | Troep Troopers Eindhoven

The need for this clean-up was confirmed by yesterday's haul. "We collected more than twenty full garbage bags (of sixty liters, ed.), in less than an hour and a half." According to Cerit, this amounts to about sixty kilograms of litter.

Besides the standard paper and plastic packaging, the volunteers also found unusual litter, such as a suitcase, a license plate, pieces of a moped, clothing, several pairs of underwear, and a bicycle helmet.

Will there be another TU/e campus clean-up?

"I think we will do it again in a few months, when the weather is a little better," Cerit says enthusiastically. Keep an eye on our calendar or Troep Troopers' one to see when this will be.

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