On Sunday, 40 volunteers from the Cuidem Montjuïc association collected 140 kilograms of rubbish from Montjuïc mountain in Barcelona. This clean-up operation unexpectedly revealed significant evidence of homelessness, highlighting a pressing social issue within the city.
Volunteers encountered numerous items linked to homeless encampments. These included damaged bed frames, dirty blankets, and broken tents. Eulàlia, a long-time participant in the clean-up, explained to betevé, "We find all types of waste, much of which, unfortunately, is generated by people living on Montjuïc." Another volunteer, Stefano, added, "It is very sad to find people's clothes, blankets, or shoes."
The volunteers faced a difficult ethical decision during their work. They needed to identify items that were clearly abandoned versus personal belongings of individuals currently sleeping rough. One group discovered a tarp covering a bed frame that appeared to be in use and decided not to disturb it. However, they removed a mattress found among bushes, deeming it abandoned.
Montjuïc Rubbish Reveals Social Issues
The Cuidem Montjuïc association has organised these clean-ups for six years. Chantal Hubert, one of the three Poble-Sec residents who started the initiative, stated, "Six years ago, we decided to organise the collection because we saw the mountain was very dirty." The group aimed to involve local residents, fostering community and positive collective action. The Aula Ambiental de Sants-Montjuïc supports the initiative, including the clean-up in its agenda of free activities. Gemma Rovira, the Aula's coordinator, noted, "We look for practical ideas to give citizens tools to be more resilient to climate change."
Community Action for Montjuïc
The Sunday clean-up divided volunteers into several groups, covering different areas of the mountain. They spent one hour collecting rubbish before bringing the items to the Aula Ambiental de Sants-Montjuïc, located at Jardins de Joan Prats. Here, volunteers separated the waste by type for recycling and weighed it. Beyond items related to homelessness, the sorting process also uncovered nitrous oxide canisters, commonly known as laughing gas. This indicates other social challenges on Montjuïc.
Addressing Urban Challenges
Montjuïc mountain is a prominent green space and cultural landmark in Barcelona, attracting both residents and tourists. Its extensive parks and historical sites make it a vital part of the city's identity. The findings from this volunteer effort highlight the complex urban challenges facing the city. These challenges include environmental cleanliness and the visible impact of homelessness. Continued community and institutional efforts are essential to address these intertwined issues on Montjuïc.
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Originally published by betevé. Read original article.
