Big Sweep is an international stream cleanup program which is coordinated by ECO, the Environmental and Conservation Organization in Henderson County. During Big Sweep’s 22-year history in North Carolina, almost 270,000 Big Sweep volunteers have retrieved more than 9 million pounds of debris. In 2008, NC ranked third in the country for the number of volunteers (18,330) and collected 264 tons of debris (527,778 pounds). In 2008, Henderson County volunteers cleaned up more than 16,000 pounds of debris in streams, covering 20 miles with over 150 volunteers.

This year’s 2010 Big Sweep needs more volunteers than ever and you can help make a difference in protecting our most precious resource. According to ECO Executive Director, David Weintraub, “the basis of our way of life in WNC is our watersheds. Protecting them by cleaning, monitoring and nurturing them is critical to maintaining the health of our streams. Big Sweep is the first step to being good stewards of our natural resources.” Diamond Brand is offering coupons for 20% off one regular-priced item for volunteers participating in Big Sweep. First Citizens is supplying bags for clean-up. Harris Teeter and Ingle’s are supplying water bottles and granola bars for participants.

Contact ECO for more information and current dates and times.