The Greater Toronto Area, also known as GTA consists of Toronto, York, Halton, Peel and Durham. It is part of Ontario, a province located in the central part of Canada and has the largest population in the country. For any place or area that is highly populated like Toronto or GTA, it is only natural to employ a sound and efficient cleaning schedule of its streets to keep dirt, dust and particulate matter at bay. Road sweeping is therefore not only a much needed activity but also must be undertaken regularly to maintain clean air.
It is logical to conclude that a clean environment helps maintain clean air or at least lessen air pollution. Air pollutants easily accumulate in a big city environment. The number of vehicles that travel through its roads, the waste that various businesses and residents dispose of everyday can easily contribute to a dirty environment. Without a sound clean air plan or initiatives, it is so easy to pollute the air.
In developed countries such as US and Canada, most of their cities if not all, benefit from a regular waste collection plan and use of mechanical systems for road sweeping activities. Clean road is basic requirement in the total clean air program.
Road sweeping when done on a regular basis can help any cleanliness project take root and progress. Mechanical road sweeping systems include vacuum trucks and three- or four-wheel sweepers. Some even bring in water tanks to flush the streets and sidewalks.
Depending on resources, road sweeping projects are more focused on highly populated cities and areas. Aside from the number of pedestrians, the size of the area and the type of pedestrian education regarding waste- and litter-disposal are also considered.
Road sweeping tasks do not only include the actual sweeping of streets, it also includes washing the sidewalks and collection of waste from residential and commercial areas.
An organized road sweeping schedule must be followed to make sure that it will not hamper or inconvenience regular work schedules and everyday activities for the residents and business owners.
Whether road sweeping is done manually or mechanically, the people involved in this task must wear proper clothing and be provided with the right equipment. Garbage collection is also part of the whole process so it’s important to wear gloves, dust masks (when the area is dusty) and shoes. Health and safety must be top concerns for road sweepers.
Education campaign can also lessen the burden for the municipality or city government. When constituents cooperate with their city’s clean air projects, sweeping of roads can be lessened significantly.
The proper disposal of waste must be emphasized in any clean air initiative. The frequency is also an integral part of the whole project. Uncollected garbage placed in open litter bins can easily spread airborne bacteria. Garbage trucks are properly covered so this problem can be lessened. If your community needs to have their litter collected, take the initiative to inform the proper authorities.
Toronto, despite being the most populous area in Canada, still managed to rank 21st in the list of world’s cleanest cities. It only shows that with a sound plan and well-managed resources, any city in the world can make adjustments to make their area a better place to live in.
While it’s true that highly populated areas are harder to manage when it comes to cleanliness projects, Toronto’s initiative is a good example that despite the challenges, it can be done as long as short- and long-term plans and goals are supported by the important sectors of the society.
Nir Dotan Nir Dotan is a writer and promoter of cutting edge companies such as http://www.theroadcleaners.com/Serving_The_Greater_Toronto_Area
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