On October 8, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful announced 92,342 volunteers participated in the 2019 Great American Cleanup of PA and cleaned up over 7 million pounds of trash and recyclables, 19,082 tires and planted 8,580 flowers, bulbs and other plants

As in years past, all 67 counties participated in this annual community improvement initiative holding 5,356 local events across the state.  (Click Here for stats from each county.)

“We are so grateful for the ongoing participation of our local community groups, volunteers and affiliates who coordinate cleanup, beautification and collection events for the residents of Pennsylvania year after year during our Great American Cleanup of PA event,” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep PA Beautiful.  “The contribution of everyone’s time and energy towards keeping our communities clean, healthy and beautiful is appreciated beyond words.

“We also want to thank our sponsors, Business Partners, volunteers, local municipalities and local businesses who donated goods and services or made a monetary donation,” said Reiter.  “Without these partnerships and the tireless work of the volunteers the Great American Cleanup of PA would not be possible.”

Just a few of the community projects, completed during the Cleanup included--

-- Penn Hills Anti-Litter Group, Allegheny County: Twenty-eight members from the Allegheny County anti-littering group convened in April to pick up 45 bags of litter from Long Road. “Litter begets more litter,” Faith Milazzo said. “People tend to litter in places where there’s already litter. We are trying to set a standard by cleaning it up before it attracts more.”

-- Camel’s Hump Farm, Lehigh County: A team of more than 40 GIANT associates joined Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and The Friends of Johnston, Inc. to beautify the first mayor of Bethlehem’s iconic estate. Together the groups planted more than 200 trees, shrubs, native flowers and willows.

“GIANT wants to make sure we are staying true to our promise and helping to ensure a healthy planet for future generations and we are proud to work with organizations like Friends of Johnston and Keep PA Beautiful who share our commitment,” said Ashley Flower, Manager External Communications and Community Relations, GIANT Food Stores.

-- City of Reading, Berks County: Hosted by the Reading Parks Department and Reading Beautification, Inc., over 1,000 volunteers participated in the city wide cleanup where nearly 500 bags of trash were collected from roadways, waterways, playgrounds, parks and other public spaces. The event also included vendors and exhibitors at Riverfront Park to help educate the public on the importance of keeping the City of Reading clean.

As part of this event, the Department of Environmental Protection and the PA Waste Industries Association will sponsor Let’s Pick It Up PA – dates to be determined. During Pick It Up PA Days, registered events will be able to take the trash collected during their cleanup to participating landfills for free or reduced cost.

The 2019 program was held in partnership and with support from the Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT, PA Waste Industries Association, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Sheetz, Wawa, Inc., Weis Markets, Inc., PA Food Merchants Association, Giant Food Stores, Inc., Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority, Mahantango, Republic Services, and Wegmans.

To inquire about becoming a sponsor for the 2020 Pick Up Pennsylvania, in support of the Great American Cleanup, contact Barb Christner by sending email to: bchristner@keeppabeautiful.org or call 724-836-4121 x114.

Registration for the 2020 Pick Up Pennsylvania, in support of the Great American Cleanup, will open in January.  During this period, events registered through the website will receive free bags, gloves, and vests from PennDOT District offices, as supplies last. 

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to become a member.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from KPB, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Discover them on Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel.

Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean up communities and keep them clean and KPB’s Electronics Waste website.

Sign up now for the 2019 Pick Up Pennsylvania/ International Coastal Cleanup and volunteer or set up your own cleanup event now through October 31.  Questions should be directed to Michelle Dunn at 1-877-772-3673 Ext. 113 or send email to: mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org.

NewsClips:

Click Here for a Week’s Worth Of Environment & Energy NewsClips

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[Posted: October 8, 2019]

10/14/2019