People Against Littering (P.A.L.) is a non-profit organization committed to transforming Brampton into Canada’s first litter-free city. Under the leadership of President Bill Godfrey, P.A.L. advocates for sustainable community practices and fosters a culture where littering is socially unacceptable. The organization envisions a community where every resident takes pride in maintaining a clean and beautiful environment.
President Bill Godfrey leads P.A.L. with the belief that small daily actions can lead to significant communal changes. “Each piece of litter picked up by an individual is a step towards a cleaner tomorrow,” says Godfrey. His leadership has inspired many within the community to actively participate in cleanup efforts and environmental stewardship.
Councillor Rowena Santos, a dedicated supporter of the organization, significantly contributes through her active participation in cleanups and engaging the youth through the Santos Youth Council. “Engaging our youth is crucial; they bring energy and new ideas to our mission, helping to propel our community towards environmental responsibility,” Santos explains. Her efforts are instrumental in promoting environmental responsibility and mobilizing community action.
P.A.L. has organized a series of successful cleanup projects, such as the Duggan Park Cleanup, which combined litter cleanup with educational sessions on recycling practices. The event at Lakelands Village Park, supported by Grupo Bimbo’s “Good Neighbour Program,” engaged over 110 participants and marked the park as Brampton’s first “Litter-Free Zone.” The initiative targeting residents aged 55 and above connects older adults with nature and enhances their well-being. Similarly, the Treeline Public School Cleanup saw enthusiastic participation from volunteers, staff, and students, all committed to maintaining clean and safe public spaces.
The organization actively encourages all community members to join their efforts to beautify Brampton. By leading by example, P.A.L. has not only improved public spaces but also initiated a significant shift in community attitudes towards littering. Their approach has inspired residents to inquire about volunteer opportunities, fostering a widespread culture of care and respect for the environment.
Looking ahead, P.A.L. has set ambitious goals to expand “Litter-Free Zones” across various neighborhoods, empower every Brampton citizen to take action against litter, and establish social norms that make neglecting litter as unacceptable as littering itself. They are focused on educating and involving the younger generation in their initiatives to ensure they inherit a cleaner and more responsible society. The organization also seeks to foster collaboration among community groups, businesses, environmental organizations, and government entities to maintain a clean city through innovative strategies and volunteer efforts.
“People Against Littering is more than just a group; it’s a movement,” Godfrey states. “We’re setting a precedent for what community action can achieve in terms of environmental impact.”
People Against Littering invites everyone to join the movement towards a cleaner, greener Brampton. By joining neighbors in this revolution of kindness, residents can contribute to creating a sustainable future and achieving the vision of a litter-free community. For more information or to get involved, please contact us at peopleagainstlittering@gmail.com.