Picking Up Litter
No one likes to walk down a street or through a park or forest that's covered in trash. It's unattractive and it's detrimental to the environment and the local wildlife. Fortunately, litter is one area in which individuals can make a huge difference-- since most litter is created by individual action, we can all be part of the solution! Before you toss your coffee cup out the car window or throw that tissue over your shoulder, take a look at these facts about litter in the United States:
Litter is a very expensive problem. The total cost for litter cleanup in the United States is over $11 billion annually. Businesses bear the brunt of that cost, while local and state governments and nonprofit organizations pick up the rest of the tab.
Litter decreases the value of your home and all the homes in your community. A neighborhood that is full of trash sees its property values decline an average of seven percent across the board.
Litter can contaminate your water supply. Most litter is small and light enough that it can be blown by wind and rain into storm drains, making its way into your local waterways.
Litter kills wildlife. Animals are frequently attracted to litter, often mistaking it for something edible. If an animal swallows too much trash, it can suffocate and die.
Litter ruins the beauty of your city, parks and beaches. Simply put, litter is ugly. No one wants to see a bunch of trash lying around. Even a little bit of litter can spoil a whole area.
How to get involved:
Always dispose of your trash in the proper container. If the nearest garbage can is already overflowing, find another one.
When you see litter, pick it up and throw it away or recycle it. If others witness your good deed, you just may inspire them, too!
Visit the website or office of your local parks department. Many towns are looking for volunteers on an ongoing basis to help clean up local parks and beaches.
Connect with your local chapter of Keep America Beautiful for even more opportunities to clean up your community. http://www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=find_an_affiliate
Litter is a very expensive problem. The total cost for litter cleanup in the United States is over $11 billion annually. Businesses bear the brunt of that cost, while local and state governments and nonprofit organizations pick up the rest of the tab.
Litter decreases the value of your home and all the homes in your community. A neighborhood that is full of trash sees its property values decline an average of seven percent across the board.
Litter can contaminate your water supply. Most litter is small and light enough that it can be blown by wind and rain into storm drains, making its way into your local waterways.
Litter kills wildlife. Animals are frequently attracted to litter, often mistaking it for something edible. If an animal swallows too much trash, it can suffocate and die.
Litter ruins the beauty of your city, parks and beaches. Simply put, litter is ugly. No one wants to see a bunch of trash lying around. Even a little bit of litter can spoil a whole area.
How to get involved:
Always dispose of your trash in the proper container. If the nearest garbage can is already overflowing, find another one.
When you see litter, pick it up and throw it away or recycle it. If others witness your good deed, you just may inspire them, too!
Visit the website or office of your local parks department. Many towns are looking for volunteers on an ongoing basis to help clean up local parks and beaches.
Connect with your local chapter of Keep America Beautiful for even more opportunities to clean up your community. http://www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=find_an_affiliate