There are still two weeks left to participate in the annual Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Pick Up Pennsylvania statewide initiative that supports the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup!

The cleanup program runs through the end of November.

Register a cleanup of your favorite road, park, trail or neighborhood and receive free trash bags, gloves and safety vests compliments of the Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT, Keep America Beautiful, GLAD Products Company and the Ocean Conservancy, as supplies last.

Litter affects the health and safety of humans and wildlife, is visually unpleasant and sends a message that no one cares. Once it reaches our waterways, it transports chemical pollutants, threatens aquatic life, and interferes with river, marine and coastal environments.

“The goal is to keep litter from reaching our oceans. We support all cleanups, whether they are water-based or on land, since a significant portion of waterway pollution originates on land. Individuals, families, neighbors, students, civic organizations and local governments are all invited to participate,” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. 

So far, over 200 cleanups have taken place under the Pick Up Pennsylvania initiative since it began on September 1.

Many individuals and groups large and small, seeking some time outdoors with like-minded friends, family and neighbors, grabbed a trash bag and picked up litter and larger debris that was either blown from trash cans or intentionally put there.

Here are some examples from across Pennsylvania--

-- The Upper Merion Street and Stream Cleanup in Montgomery County took place on October 10. Seventy-two members of the community picked up 300 bags of trash.

-- The US Army Corps of Engineers cleaned up 10 bags of trash, 2 appliances and 9 tires from a four-mile stretch of the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River in Huntingdon County, from Corbin's Island to Point Access Area. 

-- In Dauphin County, nearly 200 volunteers participated in the Great Harrisburg Litter Cleanup, a citywide event where 1,100 bags of trash and 708 tires were collected.

“It’s something that everybody can do. It’s a great feeling, the results are immediate and you are helping reduce litter’s economic, environmental and social impact,” said Reiter. “I want to thank everyone who volunteered to clean up and all the municipalities that have supported those cleanups.”  

The group suggests doing a cleanup either solo or with household family members and encourages adhering to the recommendations for social distancing. All that is needed is a trash bag, gloves and bright colored clothing, if you are cleaning up near a roadway.

To find out more, visit the Pick Up Pennsylvania webpage. Questions can be answered by Michelle Dunn, Pick Up Pennsylvania Program Coordinator, at 877-772-3673 ext. 113 or send an email to: mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org.  

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.

Keep PA Beautiful helps mobilize over 100,000 volunteers a year to pick up litter, clean up illegal dumping and beautify Pennsylvania.

(Photo: Volunteers from Upper Merion Street and Stream Cleanup.)

Related Articles:

-- PA Resources Council: 3 Ways To Celebrate America Recycles Day Nov. 15

-- PA Resources Council Reports Success For 2020 Recycling Programs On Eve Of America Recycles Day Nov. 15

-- Keep PA Beautiful Provides Recycling Education Grants To Local Affiliates To Celebrate America Recycles Day, Nov. 15

-- Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority Honors 38 Businesses, Schools, Organizations As Green Partners

-- DEP Issues $266,987 Penalty Against Luzerne County Man For Violations At Waste Tire Site

[Posted: November 10, 2020]

11/16/2020