Sverdlovsk's Spring Clean-Up Unites Residents for a Greener Region

Every late April, the Middle Urals traditionally hold community clean-up days. Despite the fickle weather, residents of the Sverdlovsk region tidy up parks and squares, courtyards, and streets in their towns and villages.

Volunteers are actively joining the effort to improve and clean up public spaces. As part of the "We Stand for Cleanliness" campaign—timed to coincide with Russia's Year of National Unity—eco-activists will clear forests, parks, and water bodies, restore cultural, historical, and social heritage sites, and spruce up tourist areas. "OG" artist Maxim Smagin sends good vibes to everyone helping make the world around us cleaner and shares his original graphic story as a gift.