In the Haar neighbourhood in Gorinchem, Corrie Sterk has been involved in a clean neighbourhood since she was young. She inherited the love for a clean living environment from home. "My father used to walk down the street with an empty bread bag. Anything he found on the pavement or in the bushes, he would pick up and throw in the dustbin at home. He set a good example to his five daughters. The seed was planted."
Actively involved
Corrie - like her sisters - is still actively involved in environmental and living issues. From the Milieuwinkel in Middelburg to the Geefwinkel in Burgstraat, the involvement runs deep. "But one plastic bag on a round isn't enough nowadays. Society has changed. There is more waste ánd people's attitudes have changed. Many people think: what happens outside my door is not my concern."
Don't wait, but deal with it
Corrie thinks differently. She walks and picks up, stands in the Give shop, reports additional 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 really do something." Meetings with other zappers also give her energy to keep going. "Together you are stronger. It's nice to know you're not the only one."
Sometimes she gets strange questions. Whether she has community service. Whether she has to do this for her benefits. "No way," says Corrie. "I do this because I think it's important. Because I want to contribute to a liveable neighbourhood."
Zapping with the grandchildren
And she doesn't do it alone. Every Thursday, her grandchildren come by - and the buckets are ready and waiting. Corrie has bought special meat tongs, as they grip just a bit finer than a gripper. The children are aged between 3 and 11 and all join in. The youngest rides ahead on his tractor and points out the spots. On the way, they empty the buckets into the bins. "And when we use the litter pass at a collection container, the party is: 'I want!' 'No, it's my turn!'"
Together for a cleaner neighbourhood
Together, they keep their neighbourhood clean and set a good example. For themselves, for each other and for future generations.