Complaints about litter are common on social media and even in old fashioned letters to the editor.

Whether you complain about litter or suffer in silence when you see the landscape marred by trash, here is an opportunity to be part of the solution.

The City of Greensboro and Greensboro Beautiful, in partnership with the Piedmont Triad Big Sweep, is hosting the annual Big Sweep litter cleanup days Saturday, Oct. 2 through Monday, Oct. 18.

Volunteers who want to help clean up parks, streets, parking lots, streams and neighborhoods are requested to register at  greensborobeautiful.org/litter-cleanups/big-sweep.

For those who register there is a limited quantity of supplies like litter grabbers, trash bags, buckets, gloves and safety vests.  Supplies must be reserved online and can be picked up at the Big Sweep Kickoff Day, Saturday, Oct. 2 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Greensboro Arboretum at 401 Ashland Dr.

Participating groups are asked to sign up all members of those participating in the cleanup. Greensboro Beautiful will be collecting non-perishable food, baby supplies, face masks, soap, hand sanitizer and toilet paper at the Big Sweep Kickoff to donate to Greensboro Urban Ministry and FaithAction International House.

Because the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us, Greensboro Beautiful is encouraging Big Sweep volunteers to adhere to the COVID-19 pandemic safety guidelines and participate as individuals or in small groups (10-15) with family or friends within your quarantine bubble.  Groups should consist of individuals who you feel safe and comfortable spending time with during the pandemic.

The Big Sweep is also being sponsored by the Greensboro Regional Realtors Association, Crescent Rotary Club, Ocean Conservancy and Keep American Beautiful.

For more details you may go to greensborobeautiful.org/litter-cleanups/big-sweep  or contact Greensboro Parks and Recreation volunteer coordinator Alex Zaleski at alexandra.zaleski@greensboro-nc.gov  or at 336-373-7507.

One of the noted results of the pandemic is that more people are out walking for exercise and you don’t have to join any group or go to any meetings to become a silent partner of the Big Sweep and pick up litter on your usual route.