Get Involved: The Great American Clean-Up

 

The Great American Cleanup began on Sunday with a national launch event in Waveland, Mississippi – a hurricane-ravaged town along the Gulf Coast – and will continue through May 31 with additional national events in New York City on Earth Day and in Nashville on May 14. The 2009 Great American Cleanup reminds individuals and families that a better environment for all starts in our own communities – and the volunteer work we do close to home affects our entire planet.

Last year, the 2008 Great American Cleanup resulted in over 86 million pounds of litter and debris removed from America’s landscape; in addition, 15,200 junk cars were removed and the number of illegal dumpsites that were cleaned up nearly doubled to 6,500 from the previous year. The program improved over 144,000 miles of roadway; 91,000 acres of parks and public lands; 7,000 miles of rivers, lakes and shorelines; and 6,000 miles of hiking, biking and nature trails. Recycling results were equally impressive with participants reclaiming 186 million plastic bottles; 1.4 million tires; 10.2 million pounds of aluminum and steel; 5.3 million pounds of electronics; 137,000 batteries; 37.1 million pounds of newsprint; and 5.2 million pounds of clothing.

The Great American Cleanup takes place every year between March 1 and May 31. This year, it is projected than an expected 3 million volunteers will get involved by participating in 30,000 community improvement activities, including educational workshops in over 17,000 communities nationwide.

For more information and to learn how to get involved in your local community, click here to visit KeepAmericaBeautiful.org.