The Big Sweep

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- It’s a national event that your whole family can take part in to help clean up the environment.

Oct. 4 is the Big Sweep. This annual event draws hundreds of volunteers every year.

Gloves and trash bags are provided, and you clean up the creek of your choice.

Erin Oliverio, a water quality educator, says you find lots of things in the creek such as car engines, bottles, cans and even pet waste.

“It’s important to know that any litter that is thrown out of the car window goes into our water ways. This event is a chance for people to understand that our water isn’t treated and it eventually hurts our aquatic environment,” Oliverio says.

Click here to find out what creeks you can help clean up.