Get Into the Blitz!

It should come as no surprise that our mission is to engage Virginians to reduce litter, remove waste, and work together to beautify our beloved Commonwealth. Our work pays off in ways large and small. For example, our Department of Environmental Quality announced recently that lower levels of air pollutants has led to cleaner air in Central Virginia this summer. That takes a commitment from all of us.

More often than not, though, we count on you. There is only so much that we can do as an organization to make an impact. Our job is to empower and encourage groups like RVA Clean Sweep and Friends of Claytor Lake – groups of concerned citizens and ordinary Virginians who take matters into their own hands to organize cleanups and beautification projects to do something in their part of the Commonwealth.

That being said, we’re gearing up for a busy finish to 2015 (and into 2016!).

In preparation for the 2015 UCI World Bicycle Championships, we’re partnering with The City of Richmond and specifically the Mayor’s impact program, Neighbor to Neighbor and Richmond Clean City Commission for a Cleanup Blitz on August 14th and 15th. By signing up on HandsOn Greater Richmond or working with the Richmond Clean City Commission and Keep Virginia Beautiful, you can organize your coworkers, church group, or family to participate in one of the set areas or create a cleanup project in your part of town to make a sizable dent in litter prevention and beautification. We’ll have another Blitz on September 11th and 12th.

The Bike Race will hit town September 19th. We’ll be working with race organizers and groups like the Virginia Green Travel Alliance and RVA Green to make this a green and sustainable event, and will be looking for volunteers to help. Keep your ears open for those calls.

We’ll be out and about across Virginia for America Recycles Day on November 15th. Look for us and check out our Events Page as opportunities pop up in your area.

We’ll open 2016 with our Second Annual Shiver in the River. Last year, hundreds joined us for both a Cleanup surrounding the James River, and to jump into the frigid James to show their support for our cause. We had a great time, left the area much more beautiful than when we arrived, and raised crucial funds in support of our mission. Start thinking about putting together a team for either the Clean Up, The Jump, or our brand new 5K Walk/Run. We need your support to make our 2016 Shiver event bigger and better.

So roll up your sleeves and get involved. There’s much to be done.