TDOT Partners with Grocers & Communities to Spread Litter Awareness
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Transportation is teaming with local grocers and cleanup partners to promote litter prevention and feature “Great American Cleanup” events happening in Tennessee communities this spring. On Friday, March 15th, free reusable bags will be distributed to the public at 483 Tennessee grocery stores, one per person, while supplies last. The bags will feature the logo of TDOT’s “Nobody Trashes Tennessee” litter prevention campaign, as well as campaign partners Keep Tennessee Beautiful and the Tennessee Grocers and Convenience Store Association.
In addition to distributing reusable bags, grocery stores in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties will host booths or displays of local governments and non-profits conducting “Great American Cleanup” events this spring. The public is encouraged to visit those organizations and volunteer for an upcoming cleanup.
“Hosting reusable bags events such as this is an excellent way for our grocers to connect to the public and their communities,” Rob Ikard, President of the Tennessee Grocers and Convenience Store Association, explained.
Participating grocers include all Tennessee locations of: Kroger, Food City, Food Lion, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Publix, Mitchell Grocery, and Piggly Wiggly.
Rigorous research was done prior to the launch of the “Nobody Trashes Tennessee” campaign. It showed roadside trash is down 53 percent. However, litter is still a big problem for the state.
- There are still an estimated 100 million pieces of trash on Tennessee roadways.
- 30 percent of the state’s litter is deliberate – meaning trash is tossed right out of vehicle windows.
- Increase in litter among females age 16 to 34.
- TDOT spends more than $15 million annually cleaning up litter.
“The good news is the research showed that nine out of 10 Tennesseans are more likely to properly dispose of their trash after learning about the statewide litter problem,” Commissioner Clay Bright added. “We believe this campaign can make a difference and potentially save highway maintenance funds for other needed road projects.”
For more information about the “Nobody Trashes Tennessee” campaign , visit: www.nobodytrashestennessee.com. For more about Great American Cleanup events in your community, visit the Keep Tennessee Beautiful website at http://www.keeptnbeautiful.org/ or connect on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KeepTennesseeBeautiful/.
