The nonprofit group Cozy Rhode got together on August 27 to clean up the bike path at Washington Secondary Trail just off of Cranston Street and Garfield Avenue. The cleaning, which covered the northern end of the bike path between the police station and Texas Roadhouse, just happened to be the group's 100th clean up project.

The group, which began in September of 2020, “developed from watching the litter problem in Providence-- and even Rhode Island at large-- develop and remain largely ignored by city officials and higher-up politicians.”

Members of the group who joined in for the day’s cleaning estimated that Cozy Rhody has helped to pick up almost 50,000 pounds of trash since their work began. They have also managed to gather about 1,100 members online who take turns donating their time at clean up efforts around the state. At any given clean-up project anywhere from 60 to 70 members of the group are invited depending on their region to act as volunteers.

“Cozy Rhody aspires to transform our environment through weekly clean-ups while inspiring, engaging, and educating our community to enact long-term change to keep Rhode Island clean and beautiful,” their website says. People looking to join are also encouraged to reach out at cozyrhody.org. (Cranston Herald photos by Steve Popiel)