On April 23, leaders from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Philadelphia Water Department, and Partnership for the Delaware Estuary  joined to celebrate Earth Week and highlight a new ad campaign, ‘Trash Free Waters Begin with YOU!’ appearing throughout the city at multiple SEPTA and PATCO stops.

Focusing on the importance of keeping litter off streets and out of waters, EPA Deputy Regional Administrator Cathy Libertz, PWD Commissioner Randy E. Hayman, and PDE Executive Director Kathy Klein remarked on the importance of partnerships, the big impact of small actions, and the role that everyone plays in protecting our shared environment.

“At the heart of EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment, lie the principles of engaging with partners and stakeholders at all levels to foster collaboration, innovation, and progress,” said EPA Deputy Regional Administrator Cathy Libertz. “Whether it’s Earth Day or any other day, we all have a role to play in keeping our environment cleaner, greener, and safer.”

Most of the trash that pollutes rivers, lakes, estuaries, and oceans comes from sources on land. Plastic trash, in particular, threatens human health, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy.

Founded in 2013, the mission of EPA’s Trash Free Waters Program is to prevent that trash from getting into waterways and to remove what is already in the environment. The program aims to improve the health of waterways and communities by fostering effective partnerships, providing informational resources, and facilitating shared learning.

“The Philadelphia Water Department removes over 12 million pounds of trash and debris from local waterways and storm drains each year, and the public is a key partner in reducing the impact of litter locally,” said Philadelphia Water Commissioner Randy E. Hayman, Esq. "Campaigns like this educate our residents and engage communities to work with us in partnership to keep our rivers and streams clean."

The ad features original artwork by Helen Munnelly, whose piece, “Fishing for Trash Free Waters,” was awarded first place in last September’s “Trash Free Waters” art contest.

A total of 67 entries were displayed at the Independence Seaport Museum during the September 9, 2023 Delaware River Festival, where the public voted Munnelly’s piece as the winner.

"The Trash Free Waters campaign extends beyond the ads that are currently featured at SEPTA bus stops and PATCO train stations," said PDE Executive Director Kathy Klein. “It symbolizes a community within the Delaware Estuary, showcasing their passion for the environment. We need to continue working to change attitudes, behaviors, and policies around litter and trash in our waterways. Art can help. Art can turn thinking into doing and bring people together to leave a lasting impact on society."

Visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region III webpage for more information.

(Photo: Kathy Klein, PDE Executive Director; PWD Commissioner Randy E. Hayman; Carlton Williams, Director of Philadelphia’s Clean and Green Initiative; Cathy Libertz, EPA Deputy Regional Administrator.)

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-- Heights Philadelphia, EPA Announce New Partnership Aiding Black, Brown And First-Generation Students’ Pathways to Environmental Studies & Careers  [PaEN]

EPA, Local Philadelphia Area Partners Celebrate Earth Week, Declare Trash Free Waters Begin With You!  [PaEN]

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[Posted: April 25, 2024]

4/29/2024