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Dash 4 Trash returns for second year to GR's West Side

Trash collecting race starts at 6 p.m. April 20
DASH 4 TRASH
Posted at 10:42 PM, Apr 19, 2021
and last updated 2021-04-20 23:53:29-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A West Side Grand Rapids business is helping you join in on Earth Day events this week.

Swift Printing is hosting their second Dash 4 Trash event on Tuesday, April 20, starting at 6 p.m.

Teams and individuals will have 25 minutes to dash around the West Side or their favorite areas nearby and collect as much trash as possible along the way.

You can even win prizes for taking photos of the weirdest thing you picked up and of course for collecting the most trash.

The WestSide Stride pub running/walking groupin 2019 came up with the idea of "plogging," which is jogging while picking up litter.

Jessica Slaydon, the event’s organizer and vice president of Swift Printing, said teaming up to do something good for the environment is a win-win for everyone. “Keeping a clean city is very important," she said, "especially not only for the earth and for the environment but for the perception. So when people drive down on our street and they see clean streets, that's really important. We want as many people to be able to enjoy the street as possible.”

Slaydon adds that the area is seeing a lot more businesses and housing popping up, so it’s important to keep the area inviting.

“Bridge Street is so much fun: it has the highest foot traffic, I think, in the city right now, and so having that perception of clean and actually keeping it clean is just so very important,” Slaydon said.

The event is free, but you’re asked to register ahead of time at swiftprinting.com so the group can plan a staggered start to adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols.

The dash kicks off at the Swift Printing parking lot on Bridge Street across from New Holland Knickerbocker and Ando Sushi.

Immediately following the Dash, Frateli’s Kitchen and Bar is hosting special deals specially for the runners and walkers who participate.

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