Diplomats Grilling in Summer's Sunlight, Emphasizing Cleanliness on Their Journey
In the sunny summer days of Cologne, Germany, a unique group of individuals can be found patrolling the city's parks. Known as the Grill-Scouts, these 25 dedicated individuals are employed by the Cologne Waste Management Authority and are on a mission to maintain cleanliness and promote responsible grilling practices.
Led by Vera Drewke, Sabrina Scholtisseck, and Nisa Bagci, the Grill-Scouts wear neon-orange vests and carry trash bags as they go about their work. Last year, they distributed 31,399 trash bags and had 5,286 "contacts" with park visitors.
The Grill-Scouts' approach is casual and non-confrontational, making them approachable and reducing any unfounded fear of authority. A typical encounter for the Grill-Scouts involves approaching a group of young people and asking if they know the location of the in-ground containers for waste disposal.
Despite their important role, the Grill-Scouts' job does not involve enforcing rules in a traditional authority-like manner. Instead, they focus on educating park visitors about picnic and grill waste, including pointing out disposal options and distributing trash bags.
The Grill-Scouts' unique approach has been met with overwhelmingly positive reactions. Vera Drewke, a Pescetarian who does not eat meat, is one of the Grill-Scouts and has found that the interactions are often met with gratitude. Even when offered food, Drewke and her colleagues are rarely tempted with sausage and steak due to dietary restrictions.
In contrast to Cologne, Hamburg has seen an increase in checking rules and imposing high fines for wild grilling. However, the Grill-Scouts in Cologne continue to work tirelessly to ensure the city's parks remain clean and enjoyable for all.
In Berlin, a petition was started this summer demanding a "respectful use" of the grill area in Volkspark Friedrichshain. While there is no similar initiative in Cologne, the Grill-Scouts' work demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for everyone.
As the weather warms up, the Grill-Scouts can be found on the move every weekend and on holidays, covering up to 20 kilometers in a day. Their dedication to their work and their non-confrontational approach make them an essential part of Cologne's parks and community.
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