It’s Scary!
It’s frightening out there, and I’m not talking about the ghosts and goblin Halloween decorations. It’s the menacing amount of litter in the landscape – the creepy discarded face masks in the parking lot, the chilling fast food wrappers, and the daunting task of cleaning it all up!
Why bother, you ask? Studies show that people are less likely to throw litter into clean, attractive, and beautified areas. (Keep America Beautiful 2009 Litter Study)
What can you do? A lot!
- The month of October has been declared “Lovers Not Litter” month for the Commonwealth – and it’s official: check out the Governor’s Proclamation! We’re partnering with VDOT to spread the word that October is a great month to get outside and pick up litter, and you can help wherever you live or work. Take the pledge, and report the litter that you cleaned up. Or play a fun game!
- We give away cleanup kits to groups and individuals as time and funding allow. We just completed our Summer giveaways, and our cupboards are bare. We’re hosting a kit assembly day to get restocked. If you’re in the Richmond area on Wednesday, October 27th, we need 10 volunteers. You must sign up to be able to participate.
- Volunteer with other groups to clean up! Check our Events Calendar for your what’s scheduled near you. Also, we have several affiliate organizations across the state, take a look at their websites to see if there’s an activity going on that interests you!
- Adopt-a-Highway! It’s free, and you’ll be given supplies for litter cleanups, and when you do your part you’ll get a cool blue sign with your name, or your group’s name, or the name of someone you’d like to dedicate your efforts to. To get started, simply contact your Adopt-a-Highway coordinator, call 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623) or send an e-mail to [email protected]. You can learn more about the program here.
So don’t be a scaredy-cat, get out there, take a bag or bucket with you, and safely pick up some litter!