Astoria Blue Community flyer by Sarah Abd AlfatahGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Over the last few months, Astorians have repeatedly voiced their concern about the trash problem in the neighborhoodGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Every corner of the neighborhood has seemingly become an outdoor receptacle for garbageGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

One Astorian who was fed up with the growing trash problem is resident Sarah Abd Alfatah, who recently established the Astoria Blue CommunityGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The initiative aims to clean up Astoria’s street and sidewalks to combat the issue of littering, and looks to partner with Proud Astorian as part of the volunteer weekly trash collectionGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

“There’s garbage and littering everywhereGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I’ve been digging into this issue, and the budget cuts have been about $100 million from sanitation, and you can see the effects everywhereGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I reached out to the Department of Sanitation, and they informed me that 60% of their forces have been decreased and they cannot do anything about itGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Sidewalk cleaning has been stoppedGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. People working from home and outdoor dining have also increased litterGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. There’s so much stress on the businesses as wellGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. It’s time for us to take responsibility not to trash our streets”, stated Abd Alfatah, a proud Astorian resident for the last 4+ yearsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. She loves the neighborhood and community, and is one of many to transform their concern into concrete actionGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Image via NYC Zero WasteGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

The most common items littered? Masks, gloves, and single-use plastics, which Abd Alfatah notes is especially alarming given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemicGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. She believes that to reduce stress on neighborhood businesses, as well as on the environment, incentives such as receiving discounts for utilizing reusable cups and tupperware could be implementedGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Reducing trash and litter around the neighborhood decreases the risk of rats and other vermin, which contribute to spreading germs and disease, she addedGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

“It’s our responsibility to help each other and not create more issuesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Support has been great from the Astoria community, they’ve been waiting for someone to actually start doing thisGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Sometimes, just simple education such as printing flyers is very effectiveGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. We can also try to reduce single-use plastics”, shared Abd AlfatahGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

If you are interested in volunteering to help the Astoria Blue Community in its efforts, you may contact Sarah Abd Alfatah via Instagram, Twitter, or emailGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.