Register for Pennsylvania Community Improvement Events | News

Residents across Pennsylvania are gearing up to participate in the Pick Up Pennsylvania program of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, a statewide community improvement initiative. This year, students participating in the inaugural Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Youth Ambassador Program will also participate. Thirty-five students in grades 10-12 will coordinate and implement an educational program and community cleanup as part of their journey to become community stewards, civic leaders, and ambassadors in their community for a shared vision of a clean and beautiful Pennsylvania.

One such event is an educational “walk in the park” coordinated by Youth Ambassador, CJ Chen. CJ, a junior from Swarthmore, Delaware County, will celebrate Earth Day on April 22 by leading a walk through Little Crum Creek Park while discussing aquatic macroinvertebrates and water quality. Also, Shelia Magee, Board Member of Friends of Little Crum Creek Park, will speak about invasive species. The walk is open to all locals who want to experience their local environment.

Educational events, litter cleanups, illegal dumping grounds cleanups, and community greening and beautification are all considered community improvement events under the Pick Up Pennsylvania program. Events registered through May 31 are eligible to receive free bags, gloves and vests, provided by the support of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT, Ocean Conservancy and Keep America Beautiful, within the limit available stocks.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association sponsor waste disposal, free or at a reduced rate for registered program participants, at participating landfills from April 1 through April 30, with approval prior.

“We are so proud of our class of young Ambassadors and their passion and initiative to work for a better community. Most people don’t think that small actions like organizing a litter cleanup, planting a tree, painting park benches and educating the community about the consequences of litter have an impact, but they really do. Thanks to the selfless dedication of thousands of people, our shared public spaces will be safer, cleaner and more beautiful. Everyone can make a difference in their neighborhood. You can start small by taking a bag every time you walk. Sign up on our website for free supplies,” said Shannon Reiter, president of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.

In 2022, 65,988 Pennsylvanians picked up 3.4 million pounds of trash and 45,412 tires from neighborhoods, streams, roads, parks and trails.

Individuals, friends, families and groups large and small can help clean up vacant lots, streets and shorelines, plant gardens and trees, mulch a local playground or organize an event. educative. To host an event, join an event near you, or inquire about free supplies and waste disposal, visit keeppabeautiful.org/programs/pick up pa/ then Pick Up PA or contact Michelle Dunn, Coordinator of the Pick Up Pennsylvania program at 877-772-3673 ext. 113 or [email protected]

Current Pick Up Pennsylvania 2023 supporters include: The GIANT Company, Wawa, Columbia Gas — NiSource Charitable Foundation, Mahantango Enterprises, Inc., PA Food Merchants Association, and Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania. If you are interested in becoming a supporter, contact Deb Woolley at [email protected]

Source