Diplomats Grilling in the Summer Sun, Emphasizing Cleanliness Along the Journey
In the heart of Cologne, a unique team of eco-conscious individuals known as the Grill-Scouts are making a significant impact on the city's green spaces. For the past 15 years, these local ambassadors have been patrolling parks on behalf of the city's waste management department, promoting responsible behaviour, and enforcing public grilling regulations.
The Grill-Scouts, comprising around 25 members, include Vera Drewke, Sabrina Scholtisseck, and Nisa Bagci. Their mission is simple yet crucial: to chat with people and keep the city's parks clean. During summer weather, they are out every weekend and on holidays, walking an average of 20 kilometers per day.
Vera Drewke, a Pescetarian who does not eat meat, is one of the Grill-Scouts. She recently encountered a group of young people who were unaware of the location of the in-ground containers for waste disposal. Drewke and her colleagues approach people who are grilling in public spaces, providing them with trash bags for picnic and grill waste and educating them about designated grilling locations, waste separation, and proper disposal practices.
Their approach is non-confrontational, helping to dispel any fear of authority. This unique combination of community engagement and enforcement of public grilling regulations is fostering a culture of clean and sustainable outdoor cooking in Cologne.
Public grilling in many German cities, including Cologne, Hamburg, and Berlin, has become a contentious issue due to heavy littering and smoke pollution. The Grill-Scouts' initiatives aim to address these concerns, reducing the amount of waste and pollution typically associated with public barbecues.
The reactions to the Grill-Scouts in Cologne are "overwhelmingly positive". Last year, they had 5,286 "contacts" with park visitors. Despite the occasional offer of food, Drewke and her colleagues do not partake due to personal dietary restrictions.
Similar public safety and environmental initiatives are being implemented in other German cities. In Berlin, thousands of residents started a petition this summer demanding a "respectful use" of the grill area in Volkspark Friedrichshain. In Hamburg, more districts are reportedly checking the rules and imposing high fines for wild grilling.
As the Grill-Scouts continue their mission, they serve as a shining example of how community engagement and environmental responsibility can coexist, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.
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