Maryland is the First Stop on a Nationwide Volunteer Trek to Remove Litter from Highways

(April 8, 2010) – Now that snow has retreated and warmer weather begins its daily emergence, some other items are slowly making their way to the surface – litter!  The rainfall that Maryland has experienced the last few weeks has brought more litter and debris along roadside shoulders, sidewalks and interchange ramps.  However, each Marylander can play a part during Earth Month by participating in local cleanups, some of which may take place just outside of your front door.

Pick Up America is a group of volunteers dedicated to educating citizens on environmental responsibility and encouraging them through example by reducing waste along roadsides and in waterways.  Starting with four volunteers, Pick Up America began their quest on Saturday, March 20 at Assateague State Park in Worcester County.  To date, they have collected more than 6 tons of trash and saved Maryland taxpayers $13,000 in litter removal costs.  

“As Maryland celebrates Earth Month, it reminds us of the fragility of our environment and the importance of preserving our natural resources,” said SHA Administrator Neil J. Pedersen.  “Even one-half hour of time is a tremendous and appreciated contribution to help keep Maryland beautiful.  SHA thanks Pick Up America for their help and commends their commitment to environmental stewardship.  Please do you part and don’t litter.”

SHA reminds motorists and volunteers that litter removal locations along the median and shoulders are active work zones.  Motorists are advised to stay alert for volunteers as they remove litter from shoulders and sidewalks.  Along with routine removal by SHA and inmate labor crews, community volunteers and participants are working during normal daytime hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. seven days a week.

If your community organization would like to know more about the cleanup locations and workshops in your area, log onto www.pickupamerica.org for information, “roadway diaries,” photos and more. 

This initiative supports the efforts of the Smart, Green and Growing initiative introduced by Governor Martin O’Malley in 2008 to strengthen the state’s leadership role in fostering smarter, more sustainable growth and inspiring action among all Marylanders to achieve a more sustainable future. The initiative brings together state agencies, local governments, businesses and citizens to create more livable communities, improve transportation options, reduce the state’s carbon footprint, support resource based industry, invest in green technologies, preserve valuable resource lands and restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

###