Take the ONE Garbage Bag Challenge

Akerley Campus Welding grad Adam Ullock’s ask of Nova Scotians is simple: “Go out for a walk and fill one bag with litter from your neighbourhood. It only takes 15-30 minutes of your time.”

Adam says that even as Nova Scotians practice social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic, they can still work together to make a difference. That’s why he started the Facebook group, Nova Scotia ONE Garbage Bag Challenge

Started in late March, the Nova Scotia ONE Garbage Bag Challenge asks residents to go out for a walk and collect one bag of litter from the streets and sidewalks near their homes. The idea came to Adam as he was out for a run.  

“During quarantine, people are limited to walks in their neighbourhoods,” says Adam. “This is a very simple way for people to get exercise, clean up our province and show a sense of community pride during this difficult time.”

Thousands of bags collected

Adam says that since he started his group, nearly 1,000 people have taken the challenge.

“Every 30 minutes someone new is posting a picture of themselves taking the challenge — we’re in the range of 5,000 bags now.”

The Nova Scotia ONE Garbage Bag Challenge has also been featured on CTV Live at 5 and on CTV Morning Live. Adam hopes the appearances will raise the profile of the challenge and encourage more people to participate.

“I love seeing people from across the province sharing their pictures and seeing the joy of doing this challenge,” says Adam. “When I see pictures of kids and families coming together, I really think we’re making a difference. We’re teaching the next generation the importance of protecting our planet.”

Take the challenge

If you would like to help Adam keep Nova Scotia beautiful, you can take the challenge by visiting Nova Scotia ONE Garbage Bag Challenge on Facebook.