Road Trip with Grill Diplomats: Soaking up Sun and Maintaining Cleanliness during Summer
Cologne's Green Guardians: The Grill-Scouts
In the heart of Cologne, Germany, a unique group of eco-conscious individuals are making a significant impact on the city's green spaces. Known as the Grill-Scouts, these dedicated volunteers have been patrolling parks and public grilling areas for 15 years.
The Grill-Scouts, including Vera Drewke, Sabrina Scholtisseck, and Nisa Bagci, work for the Waste Management Authority. Their mission is to promote cleanliness and responsible grilling practices, approaching groups—from typical student cliques to families—to discuss disposal options and distribute trash bags.
Despite being offered food, the Grill-Scouts are not easily tempted. Vera Drewke, a pescetarian, represents the group's commitment to sustainability. The reactions to the Grill-Scouts are overwhelmingly positive, with their casual, non-confrontational approach quickly dispelling any unfounded fear of an authority figure.
Last year, the Grill-Scouts in Cologne distributed 31,399 trash bags and had 5,286 "contacts". On a single day, they can easily walk 20 kilometers. As of now, there are around 25 Grill-Scouts in Cologne, working tirelessly to keep the city's parks clean and enjoyable for all.
However, grilling in public spaces has become a contentious issue in many German cities. Reports from Hamburg indicate that districts are checking rules and imposing high fines for wild grilling. In Berlin, thousands of residents started a petition this summer for a "respectful use" of the grill area in Volkspark Friedrichshain.
Despite the challenges, the Grill-Scouts in Cologne continue to make a difference, promoting a cleaner and more responsible approach to outdoor cooking. While there is no direct or indirect information about the Grill-Scouts beyond Cologne, their work serves as an inspiration for other cities to follow suit and prioritize the care of their green spaces.
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