Residents all across Pennsylvania are gearing up to participate in Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s Pick Up Pennsylvania Program, a statewide community improvement initiative.

This year, students participating in Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s inaugural Young Ambassadors Program will be participating, too.

Thirty-five students in grades 10 through 12, will coordinate and implement one education program and one community cleanup as part of their journey to becoming community stewards, civic leaders and ambassadors in their community for a shared vision of a clean and beautiful Pennsylvania.

One such event is an educational “Park Walk” coordinated by Young Ambassador, CJ Chen. CJ, a Junior from Swarthmore, Delaware County, will celebrate Earth Day on April 22 by leading a walk throughout Little Crum Creek Park while discussing aquatic macroinvertebrates and water quality.

In addition, Shelia Magee, Friends of Little Crum Creek Park Board Member, will talk about invasive species. The walk is open to all residents who want to learn about their local environment.

Pick Up Pennsylvania

Education events, litter cleanups, illegal dump cleanups and community greening and beautification all qualify as community improvement events under the Pick Up Pennsylvania program.

Events registered through May 31 are eligible to receive free bags, gloves and vests, provided by support from the Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT, Ocean Conservancy and Keep America Beautiful, as supplies last.

The Department of Environmental Protection and Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association are sponsoring trash disposal, free of charge or at a reduced rate for registered program participants, at participating landfills from April 1 through April 30, with prior approval.

“We’re so proud of our class of Young Ambassadors and their passion and initiative to work for a better community. Most people don’t think that small actions like hosting a litter cleanup, planting a tree, painting park benches and educating the community about the consequences of littering make an impact, but they really do. Thanks to the selfless dedication of thousands of individuals, our shared public spaces will be safer, cleaner and more beautiful. Everyone can make a difference in their neighborhood. You can start small by grabbing a bag each time you go for a walk. Register on our website for free supplies,” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.

In 2022, 65,988 Pennsylvanians picked up 3.4 million pounds of trash and 45,412 tires from neighborhoods, streams, roadways, parks and trails.

Individuals, friends, families and groups large and small can help clean up vacant lots, streets and riverbanks, plant gardens and trees, mulch a local playground or host an education event.

To host an event, join an event near you or to inquire about free supplies and trash disposal, visit the Pick Up Pennsylvania webpage or contact Michelle Dunn, Pick Up Pennsylvania Program Coordinator, at 877-772-3673 ext. 113 or mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org.  

For more information about the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Young Ambassador Program, Click Here.

Sponsors

Current 2023 Pick Up Pennsylvania supporters include: The GIANT Company, Wawa, Columbia Gas - NiSource Charitable Foundation, Mahantango Enterprises, Inc., PA Food Merchants Association and Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania.

If you are interested in becoming a supporter contact Deb Woolley at dwoolley@keepppabeautiful.org. 

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

The 2023 Pick Up Pennsylvania Initiative will be held until.  Questions should be directed to Michelle Dunn at 1-877-772-3673 Ext. 113 or send email to: mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org.

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

Related Articles:

-- Keep PA Beautiful: Sen. Comitta Nominates Oxford Borough For KPB Community Pride Award  [PaEN]

-- Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Posts 2021-22 Annual Report

-- PA Resources Council Announces 2023 Collection Events Schedule For E-Waste, Tires, Household Chemicals For Allegheny, Delaware Counties  [PaEN]

[Posted: March 16, 2023]

3/20/2023