PA CleanWays Surpasses 10,000 Tons Of Waste Removed From PA Landscape

PA CleanWays announced this week they have removed over 10,000 tons of waste from Pennsylvania’s landscape through local chapters and affiliates whohave done 829 illegal dump cleanups and 525 special collection events with over 47,000 volunteers who donated almost 200,000 hours of service.

 

In addition, PA CleanWays adoption groups have done hundreds of litter cleanups across the state. This work couldn’t be possible without the efforts of PA CleanWays volunteers.

 

In recognition of this significant achievement, PA CleanWays has honored its founder, Sue Wiseman, with a Legacy Award presented to her by John Dawes from the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds at a recent event.

 

Starting a nonprofit organization was not something Ms. Wiseman anticipated when she and her family decided to do something about the furniture, appliances, mattresses, and trash that were regularly dumped along the roadway where they rode their horses.

 

In April 1989, Ms. Wiseman brought her neighbors together and spent 64 hours moving and bagging 38 tons of trash. Recognizing that clean roads would benefit the whole community (and eventually the entire state of Pennsylvania), she solicited local businesses, enforcement agencies, the media, and local townships for help.

 

This community-oriented approach, coupled with her strength and conviction, has lead to a grassroots organization that can proudly claim the removal of over 10,000 tons of trash from public lands statewide. Ms. Wiseman’s vision of a cleaner Pennsylvania has not only transformed communities but has also fostered a sense of pride within the people of Pennsylvania. Ms. Wiseman left the organization in 2002.

 

“Without Sue’s vision and tenacity, PA CleanWays would never be able to have reached this significant organizational milestone of 10,000 tons of trash properly disposed,” says Shannon Reiter, President of PA CleanWays. “Her efforts, along with the rest of our grassroots network and wonderful volunteers, make Pennsylvania a better place to live, work, and play.”

 

Historical funders of PA CleanWays include, but are not limited, to the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Bureau of Forestry and Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, the Richard King Mellon Foundation, and the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds.

 

PA CleanWays was incepted in 1990 and incorporated in 1992. PA CleanWays, a nonprofit organization based in Greensburg, has the mission of empowering people to eliminate illegal dumping and littering in Pennsylvania. PA CleanWays carries out their mission with the help of five affiliates and thirteen chapters across the state.

 

For more information on how you can become involve, visit the PA CleanWays website.

 

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