Spring is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to positively impact our communities. The Great American Cleanup, held from March 1 to June 22, presents an ideal chance for us to roll up our sleeves, unite with friends and family, and take meaningful action against littering in Tennessee. It takes place annually, with an estimated 500,000 volunteers taking part in 15,000 community events nationwide, thanks to the work done by the Keep America Beautiful (KAB) network of 700 affiliates and KAB partner organizations.
Want to know how you can be part of this collective effort? Check out these five easy steps to a successful Great American Cleanup!
Step 1: Organize Friends, Co-workers, or Family Members!
The journey towards a cleaner Tennessee begins with teamwork. Rally your friends, co-workers, and family members to join you in this noble cause. Not only does group participation make the cleanup more enjoyable, but it also multiplies our impact. Together, we can achieve so much more than we could alone.
Step 2: Find a Cleanup Near You!
Once you’ve assembled your cleanup crew, it’s time to find a suitable location for your efforts. Thankfully, numerous cleanup events are happening across Tennessee, making it easy to find one near you. Whether it’s a local park, beach, roadside, or neighborhood, every area deserves some TLC. Visit our event calendar to find an opportunity near you, and if you can’t find something, feel free to add your event and open it to the public. It’s a great way to increase participation, and maybe you’ll meet your next bestie while you’re there.
Step 3: Grab Your Supplies
Before heading out to the cleanup site, ensure you have all the necessary supplies. These may include gloves, trash bags, litter pickers, and safety vests. Your local grantee may be able to help you with these supplies for free.
It’s essential to prioritize safety during the cleanup. Dress appropriately and stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. You can check out our handy organize a cleanup page for what to bring (and what to leave behind.) Remember, preparation is essential to a successful cleanup experience!
Step 4: Pick Up Litter
Armed with your supplies and fueled by determination, it’s time to get to work. Head to your designated cleanup site and start picking up litter. Spend time scouring the area for litter, debris, and other pollutants. Every piece of trash removed makes a difference, whether it’s plastic bottles, cigarette butts, or food wrappers. Your efforts are making a tangible impact on the health of our planet.
But remember to be safe. Handle sharp objects, aerosol cans and containers containing chemicals with care. And if you find something that feels unsafe, leave it. Leave any toxins, medical waste, drugs or drug paraphernalia, weapons or anything else that looks dangerous alone and notify the authorities.
Step 5: Show Off Your Hard Work!
Once the cleanup is complete, take a moment to admire the transformation you’ve helped bring about. Snap some photos of your team in action and share them on social media using the hashtag #NobodyTrashesTennessee. Not only does this showcase your hard work, but it also inspires others to follow suit.
Participating in the Great American Cleanup isn’t just about picking up litter, you’re actively contributing to a cleaner and healthier Tennessee. As responsible stewards of our environment, we must take care of the places we call home. By working together and dedicating ourselves to this cause, we can make a significant impact in the fight against littering.
Join us in the Great American Cleanup and be a part of the solution. Together, let’s show everyone that Nobody Trashes Tennessee!
