Cleaning Nature
01.
The Action from 2022
In just 3 hours, a handful of people managed to collect over 5 tons of waste from the Pruniș Riverbed.
15 adults and 10 children joined the event organized yesterday by Alina Chiriac near the city of Cluj-Napoca, in the village with the same name: Pruniș.
Two baby strollers, mattresses, more than 10 tires, car seats and parts, bottles, plastic bottles, mugs, glasses, toys, footwear, and many clothes—all of these have been poisoning the riverbed in recent years.
I had the pleasure of holding a workshop right in nature, about water quality and how important it is to take care of both our air and water. Together with the younger generation, we tested two samples from the river—and we were quite surprised to discover that the water is polluted. Detergents, chlorine, nitrites, and nitrates (ammonium) were just some of the residues identified.
02.
The Action from 2024
The volunteer community from Cluj-Napoca and the Salicea–Ciurila–Pruniș area came together yesterday for the second cleanup and river restoration action on the Pruniș River. In our fight for the environment, we managed to remove over 150 bags of trash, more than 10 tires, a bed complete with sponge and springs, and a large amount of clothing from the riverbed.
The effort was supported by an impressive team of over 13 adults and 15 children who showed great commitment and passion for a cleaner environment. Remarkably, among these everyday heroes were also a Frenchman and an American, proving that care for nature knows no borders.
The cleanup action also included an educational workshop focused on water pollution and environmental protection, combining hands-on action with learning.
In just a few hours of involvement, we were able to give back to nature another stretch of the river, now free of waste and garbage—allowing biodiversity and vegetation to thrive once again.
03.
The Action from 2025
This year as well, I was part of the usual group of 10 adults and 5 children who share the same values and principles when it comes to nature.
Over 130 bags were filled with household waste, bottles, jars, plastic bottles, toys, slippers, clothing, and countless other items we use in our daily lives. We were quite surprised to also find two couches, one “Relaxa” brand mattress, 40% of a car (Fiat Punto), rolled carpets over 3 meters long, and massive rugs.
We’re glad that all this waste is now at the sorting station, and nature can reclaim the area that was once invaded by human trash.
