By Gina Jordan
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-887135.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – Calling litter a stubborn foe, the City of Tallahassee has announced a campaign to help beautify the community. At the Lake Elberta Park gazebo off Lake Bradford Road Tuesday, Commissioner Gil Ziffer said the city spends hundreds of thousands of dollars a year cleaning up debris.
"If we look back at Lake Elberta, you can see what happens when we have a lot of rain. We have an awful lot of trash that's in our streets and such, and it makes its way into the storm water drainage, and then it ends up on the shoreline of this lake, which costs money to clean up."
A new, five-part program called "Think Before You Throw - Where Does It Go?" aims to educate residents about the proper disposal of litter and to raise awareness of the problems caused by it. Diana Hanson with Keep Tallahassee-Leon County Beautiful says litter is an eyesore that harms wildlife, puts drivers at risk, and reduces property values. The group organizes a shore clean-up each Fall.
"This year, we cleaned thirty-four shores. At one landing, and I won't mention the lake, there was 800-pounds of litter. Behaviors need to change. That's a behavior."
The group is holding a Super Clean Sweep around Tallahassee this Saturday, February 27th.
"Think Before You Throw - Where Does It Go?"
Tarp It - Truck drivers are reminded that state law requires them to cover or otherwise secure debris that's being hauled.
Adopt A Street - Civic and community organizations, as well as individuals, are asked to clean up litter in the public right-of-way along city streets.
Your Name Got Dropped - Schools and businesses are asked to partner up for clean-up events and educational activities for litter reduction.
Paper or Plastic - I'll Take Neither - The city has developed a reusable bag program for shoppers.
Your Name Got Dropped Calendar Art Contest - Students in first through twelfth grades can create images of natural beauty in our area which would be marred by litter. Artwork from one winner in each grade will be featured in a calendar.