HARRISBURG (Newsradio 100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA) – Governor Tom Wolf is encouraging Pennsylvania residents to reduce litter by joining the statewide campaign "Pick up Pennsylvania."
The campaign encourages community cleanups running through May 31st.
"The past year has shown beyond a doubt what we've known all along: the outdoors is essential to quality of life for Pennsylvanians," Gov. Wolf said. "Clean green spaces and waters support physical and mental health in addition to enabling the function of the ecosystem we depend on, fostering thriving communities, and supporting our recreation, tourism, and shopping economies. It is our collective responsibility to eliminate litter and I urge everyone to take steps to help keep Pennsylvania clean and green."
"As we see increased trash around the state, we ask Pennsylvanians to start or join a litter cleanup event in their local community through 'Pick Up Pennsylvania,'" said Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Patrick McDonnell. "Mask up, put on sturdy shoes and gloves, and head outside with a small group of family, buddies, or co-workers with supplies provided by the campaign. Even a small event makes an immediate impact."
Wolf invites everyone to join a free online discussion, "Don't Trash Pennsylvania," this Friday. The discussion will be led by the Wolf Administration and will discuss the negative impacts of littering.
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful coordinates the litter cleanups and volunteering is easy.
To organize a local event, or sign up to participate in a clean up, click here.
Gloves, trash bags, safety vests are provided.
"The responsibility of clean and beautiful neighborhoods belongs to all of us. Picking up litter, planting a tree or painting a park bench are simple, easy activities that most people can do, and the results are immediate," said Shannon Reiter, president of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.
