Vt. communities collect litter, beautify land
Vermont celebrates 46 years of greening up on Saturday, May 7, as communities across the state participate in Green Up Day. According to Green Up Vermont, Green Up’s mission is: “to promote the stewardship of our state’s natural landscape and waterways and the livability of our communities by involving people in Green Up Day and raising public awareness about the benefits of a litter-free environment.”
Always held on the first Saturday in May, an average 20,000 Green Up Day participants help rid the environment of about 40,000 bags of trash each year. Many local schools, organizations and families form groups to go out and collect together, creating a worthy tradition.
Town offices will have the official green bags on hand for those that want have them ahead of time; or pick up green bags the same day. Each town has specific pick-up/drop-off locations, or they advise to leave tied up bags along the roadsides to be collected by state and local officials. Please check your town’s specifications, or visit greenupvermont.org for detailed town listings and contact information.
Officials advise to be safe on Green Up Day. Wear brightly colored clothes to be highly visible to traffic; wear shoes appropriate for going in potentially wet or muddy environments; wear work gloves; be tick smart by wearing long pants and bug repellent.
Many communities also provide refreshments, breakfast, a picnic lunch or barbecue, dinner and live music. Contact your town coordinator to see what the local traditions may be.
