The Gene Capaldi Lens on Litter Photo Contest, a program of the Pennsylvania Resources Council, is an annual statewide photography contest in its 40th year, rewarding amateur photographers who snap unusual or eye-catching images of litter across the Commonwealth.

The purpose is not to glorify litter, but to bring awareness to how litter threatens public health and safety, scenic beauty, property values, the environment, pets and wildlife.

Monetary prizes up to $500 are awarded in two categories—Students and Adults. Further details, an online entry form and past winners can be found online and questions may be directed to lensonlitter@prc.org.

The deadline for entries is October 31.

Litter Cleanup Resources

For the past few years, extra judging points have been awarded to those who conduct a clean-up of the photographed area and provide photographic evidence of their work.

To assist in these efforts and to encourage additional clean-ups, Keep PA Beautiful’s Pick-Up PA Program is available for resources and supplies.

Registered clean-up events are eligible for FREE work gloves, safety vests and trash bags (courtesy of PennDOT and DEP) while supplies last.

A pre-recorded community cleanup training webinar is also available as well as all program information..

Individuals, groups, businesses or organizations with an interest in litter prevention that would like to help sponsor the Lens on Litter contest, please contact us at lensonlitter@prc.org.

Sponsor categories include Anti-Litter Champion $1,000; Anti-Litter Advocate $500; Anti-Litter Supporter $250; Anti-Litterbug $100).

Current sponsors-to-date include The Capaldi Family and Sheetz, Inc.

Shown are throwback photos of first place student and adult winners from 2019— “Trash Under the Bridge” and “They Shouldn’t Have to Live With Your Litter”, respectively.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Resources Council website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates, follow PRC on Twitter or Like them on Facebook.  Click Here for PRC’s Events Calendar.  Click Here to support their work.

PRC is Pennsylvania’s oldest grassroots environmental organization founded in 1939.  PRC has worked to protect resources for future generations through environmental education, recycling, waste diversion programs, anti-litter campaigns, watershed and other initiatives.

Related Articles:

-- Keep PA Beautiful Announces Recipients Of 2023 Volunteer And Community Partners Awards  [PaEN]

-- PA Resources Council Announces 40th Anniversary Of Lens On Litter Photo Contest; Pick-Up PA Resources Available For Litter Clean-Ups  [PaEN]

-- Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority To Switch To Solar Energy Saving An Estimated $2 Million Over Next 25 Years  [PaEN]

-- Liberty Twp., Citizens Group Appeal EHB Decision On Permit For Tri-County Landfill In Mercer County Over Threats Posed By Birds, Radioactive Oil & Gas Waste  [PaEN]

-- Guest Essay: DEP Ignored Abandoned Wells During Oil & Gas Wastewater Injection Well Permitting Process - By Laurie Barr, Save Our Streams PA  [PaEN] 

NewsClips:

-- Scranton Times: Keep PA Beautiful Wants You To Fight Dirty!  Register For Pick Up PA

-- Bradford Era: Feb. 10 Town Hall In Cyclone, McKean County To Discuss Appeal Of Catalyst Energy, Inc. Oil & Gas Wastewater Injection Well Permit

-- WFMJ: Citizens Against Grove City Landfill Appeal Environmental Hearing Board Ruling To Commonwealth Court  [Radioactive shale gas drilling waste one concern]

-- WNEP: Coal Debris On Roads Concerns Schuylkill County Residents

[Posted: February 6, 2024]

2/12/2024