Step Away from the Plastic

We've made an important change this year...we've made the decision to not provide plastic bottled water.  We are hosting a litter clean to not only collect litter, but hopefully raise awareness about proper disposal and the impact of the unnecessary use of single use items.  Plastic bottles are a significant issue.   Some interesting/depressing facts:
  • Every single second, 1,000 people open a bottle of water in the U.S.
  • Each day, people in the U.S. throw away more than 60 million plastic water bottles, most of which end up in landfills or as litter in America’s streets, parks and waterways.
  • Americans throw away 35 billion empty water bottles a year. Of those, only 12 percent are recycled.
  • Out of everything we put in our recycle bins at home, approximately 50 percent of it is never recycled.
  • Plastic constitutes 90 percent of all of the trash floating on the ocean’s surface – approximately 46,000 pieces of plastic per square mile.
  • Americans drink more bottled water than milk or beer a year, and bottled water consumption increases by 10 percent each year
It isn't our intent to create a headache, rather an effort to walk our talk and demonstrate how everyone can take a very simple step to reduce their  own negative impact on our environment.  We will provide an info. poster with your supplies about plastic water bottles.  All registered volunteers are being notified via email and asked to bring a refillable bottle

Litter Safety Information

Thank you for your interest in the Spring Litter Clean Up!  Your help with picking up litter is greatly appreciated.  Below are some guidelines to help keep you and your fellow volunteers safe.  Please review this information before participating in this year's event.  Our primary concern is the health and safety of volunteers.
  • All volunteers must submit a signed waiver (adult waiver and minor waiver) to participate.
  • All volunteers must wear gloves and appropriate clothing when picking up litter (weather appropriate clothes, boots or closed-toe shoes).
  • Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for protection from the sun.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Stay within designated clean-up boundaries.
  • Do not trespass on private property.
  • Never risk injury.
  • Be aware of your environment - avoid poisonous plants and do not provoke wildlife.
  • Avoid sharp items (broken glass, nails, etc.).  
  • Do not handle any hazardous wastes or materials-including motor oil, gasoline or any potential drug paraphernalia.
  • Avoid medical waste and condoms.
  • Do not open coolers, jugs, bottles or other sealed containers.