Tuesday 19 December 2017

Cache In Trash Out Event

Cache In Trash out Event Summer 2017

My children are often the ones who remind me how important it is to keep the earth clean. Whenever we're out walking or hiking and they see some garbage laying on the ground they're usually the first to pick it up and throw it in the trash can or garbage bag we bring with us on our adventures. My kids obviously know the earth is a living thing and want to help make it better. When I heard about the Cache in Trash out Event I know this would be a perfect event to attend, the entire family had a lot of fun participating in this, I recommend it to all Geocachers out there. 

If you're not familiar with the CITO event "cache in trash out" you came to the right spot to find out more. We always love finding new ways to help keep the earth cleaner and trails we love better for the wildlife that lives in there too. I never knew Geocaching held such thing before being able to attend a CITO event like this during the summer of 2017 with my hubby and kids. We had so much fun being able to give back to the community and the earth by cleaning up some local trails with other Geocachers. Who knew this would be so much fun! For those who've never heard about this, I'll explain it all so we can get you also on the path for some CITO fun! I love teaching my geokids about tips and tricks on how to help save the earth, I found this event was perfect for them to learn and see others of all ages help keep the earth clean and healthier for every living being to enjoy. 


Taking care of the earth is important to our well being.There are so many little things we can do to help out in having a healthier planet, for example, we could use reusable bags, use reusable water bottles, shop in bulk, create your very own compost the list goes on as there are so many things you could do, this event was perfect for anyone wanting to give a helping hand in making a difference. 
Now, let's explain what the Cache in Trash Out Event Stands for; Cache in Trash out is an environmental initiative supported by the geocaching community to help keep the earth cleaner. The very first CITO event was held in 2002 and had helped preserve the natural beauty of cache-friendly spaces in the world. I find it feels great to be able to help out and take part in such great event, every little bit counts and makes a difference. My kids had a great time being able to be little helpers, its great to have them want to help keep the trails and areas we like to enjoy cleaner for everyone. Know that you understand what the Cache in Trash out Event is about I highly recommend you attending one in your area, it's a great experience that's perfect for the entire family to take part in. My children often remind us that the earth is our home and we all need to appreciate, respect and love our home. 
A friendly green tip, when heading out for a hike or Geocaching hike bring a bag with you to collect the garbage you may find along the way, it's an easy way to help make a difference and turn an every day Geo day into a mini CITO event for you, your friends and family, whoever you go Geocaching with can enjoy this. 😊 


How to find a CITO Event near you?
You can always check your local Geocaching community blog or website to see when the next Cache in Trash out event will be held in your area.

Did You Know: Since 2002, more than 240,000 people have volunteered at 11,000 CITO events!
CITO events can be very 
rewarding, twice per year geocachers can earn a virtual souvenir ( we will talk about those later) by hosting and attending events during the CITO weeks. You can check www.geocaching.com for the next CITO week. 

Why would you want to attend a CITO Event?
Geokids helping pick up garbage
at the CITO event 2017
Geokids helping pick up garbage
at the CITO event 2017
By attending a CITO event you're helping keep the earth you live in clean and healthier. Earth is our only home we all should want to do a small action each day in trying to keep the Earth healthier and cleaner. That's why Geocachers and the Geocaching community work hard together to improve parks and the outdoor environments. During the CITO event, we got the opportunity to attend a local trail clean up and helped clean up the litter we found on the trail and in the nearby park. Other CITO events may include planting some trees, removing invasive species, build trails and a lot more. 

You can CITO every day, How?
You can CITO on every geocaching adventure. Pick up garbage you see on the trails and around each Geocache you will find. Geocachers often love cleaning an area better than how they found it. I know this happens to me and my little helpers who love giving back to the great outdoors. Imagine how cleaner the trails, the outdoor in general would be if all hikers and outdoor lovers did a little bit of this each time they set outside on an adventure? I believe the world would improve its natural beauty. 

Most places are okay for you to clean up trash from however there are other landowners that you will need to ask permission to before cleaning up on their land. Be sure not to wander in area's that are off-limits while out on CITO event. 

Wondering what you should bring to a CITO event?
This all depends on the duration of the event, try to find out how long you will be cleaning to have a better idea of what to bring, however, if you want to plan ahead here's a list of things we bring when heading out for a CITO event; 

  • Drinking water is something you will want to have with you to keep hydrated.
  • Trash bags to collect the garbage that you will find
  • Gloves 
  • First aid, after bite, bug spray, sunscreen
  • Special stick to pick up paper and grosser items
  • Snacks for when your hungry
  • Camera to take pictures to share with other Geocachers 
  • Towel to help clean yourself up when you're finished
These events normally last for a couple hours, some may even last longer depending on the area looking to be cleaned by the host. Each person decides for how long they want to help, every little bit makes a big difference. I find it's great that Geocachers have created a CITO event, it's important to have communities like this. Earth gives us everything we need to live happily, being able to give back to the planet felt like a way we could say thank you for everything it does for us daily. We look forward to attending the upcoming CITO Events in our community.

Thank you so much for reading! *Happy Caching*


Don't forget to share your experience online 😊 
After you cleaned up from giving your share of hard work and time in cleaning up the trails and parks in your area, you also have the opportunity to share your experience and stories with other Geocachers online, be sure to take lots of pictures. Don't forget to sign back online to log the event to keep track of it in your records and to claim your souvenir for attending the event. I never imagined having so much fun attending a CITO event, it's also a great way to meet other Geocachers. 


No comments:

Post a Comment

Top 6 Reasons To Get Outside During The Winter

Icy rock formation we saw while on a road trip to claim our first out of province Geocache. January 2018 Photo Credit: Jessie C Follo...