Road trip with Grill envoys, insight into summer, sunshine, and hygiene
In the city of Cologne, a unique initiative is making a significant impact on the cleanliness and sustainability of its parks. Known as the Grill-Scouts, these dedicated individuals are employed by the waste management department and have been patrolling parks for 15 years.
The Grill-Scouts are on duty every weekend and on holidays during the summery weather, helping park visitors and at eye level with advice about picnic and grill waste. Last year, they distributed 31,399 trash bags and had 5,286 "contacts".
Vera Drewke, a member of the Grill-Scouts, is a Pescetarian and does not eat meat, only fish. Despite the tempting aroma of sausage and steak, Drewke and her colleagues remain focused on their mission.
The approach of the Grill-Scouts is special due to its casual, non-confrontational manner. They patrol parks to approach people grilling there, pointing out "disposal options" or distributing trash bags. This friendly and approachable style has earned them overwhelmingly positive reactions from the public.
Grilling in public spaces has become a controversial issue in many German cities due to littering and smoke nuisance. However, the Grill-Scouts aim to talk to park visitors and keep the green spaces clean.
In Hamburg, more districts are reportedly checking the rules and imposing high fines for wild grilling. Meanwhile, in Berlin, thousands of residents started a petition demanding a "respectful use" of the grill area in Volkspark Friedrichshain.
Notable incidents occur when Grill-Scouts like Drewke encounter groups of young people who don't know about the in-ground containers in the park. In such situations, the Grill-Scouts take the opportunity to educate and inform, promoting responsible behavior and a cleaner environment.
The Grill-Scouts team in Cologne numbers around 25, and they can easily walk 20 kilometers in a day. Among the team are Sabrina Scholtisseck and Nisa Bagci, who, like Drewke, are dedicated to maintaining the cleanliness and sustainability of Cologne's parks.
While specific operational methods, roles, or effectiveness of the Cologne Grill-Scouts may not be widely available, it is clear that their initiative is making a positive difference in the city's parks. As the weather warms up and more people head outdoors, the Grill-Scouts will continue their important work, ensuring that Cologne's parks remain clean, green, and enjoyable for all.
- Vera Drewke, a vegetarian member of the Grill-Scouts, promotes a lifestyle that includes responsible outdoor-living, such as educating park visitors about the proper disposal of food-and-drink waste while grilling.
- The Grill-Scouts in Cologne, who include Sabrina Scholtisseck and Nisa Bagci, have a home-and-garden focus, working to maintain the cleanliness and sustainability of the city's parks, particularly during summery weather.
- During their daily patrols, the Grill-Scouts in Cologne aim to foster a culture of dining responsibly within the parks, encouraging visitors to use designated disposal options and keep the green spaces clean and enjoyable for everyone.
