In the Haarwijk neighborhood of Gorinchem, Corrie Sterk has been working to keep her neighborhood clean from a young age. She inherited a love of a clean environment from her childhood. "My father used to walk down the street with an empty bread bag. He'd pick up anything he found on the sidewalk or in the bushes and throw it in the trash at home. He set a good example for his five daughters. The seed was planted." 
Actively involved
Corrie, like her sisters, is still actively involved in environmental issues. From the Environmental Shop in Middelburg to the Donation Shop on Burgstraat, her commitment runs deep. "But one plastic bag per round is no longer enough. Society has changed. There's more waste, and people's attitudes have changed. Many people think: what happens outside my door is none of my concern."
Don't wait, take action
Corrie disagrees. She walks and collects litter, works at the Donation Shop, reports additional litter placements to Waardlanden—and cleans up bags and litter using her litter pass. "The lines of communication are short and clear. That makes it easy to actually do something." The meetings with other zappers also give her the energy to keep going. "Together you're stronger. It's good to know you're not alone."
Sometimes she gets strange questions. Like if she's doing community service. Or if she has to do this for her benefits. "No," says Corrie. "I do this because I think it's important. Because I want to contribute to a livable neighborhood."
Zapping with the grandchildren
And she doesn't do it alone. Every Thursday, her grandchildren come over – and the buckets are already there. Corrie bought special tongs, because they grab a little better than a grabber. The children, aged between 3 and 11, all participate. The youngest rides ahead on his tractor and points out the spots. Along the way, they empty the buckets into the trash cans. "And when we use our litter pass at a collection container, it's a celebration: 'I want to!' 'No, it's my turn!'"
Together for a cleaner neighborhood
Together they keep their neighborhood clean and set a good example. For themselves, for each other, and for future generations.
