What Can You Do?
There are many ways that you can help eliminate litter in your community. Are you planning a community event? Find out how to make it litter free! Or, find out how to plan a local community cleanup.
Here are some other simple steps you can take to help prevent litter:

• Set an example by not littering.
  
  
• Pick up one piece of litter every day.
  
  
• If you haul materials in the back of a truck, be sure to cover your load! Much of the litter on our roadways is accidentally blown out of the back of trucks.
  
  
• Make sure your trash cans have lids that can be securely attached. If you have curbside trash service, don't put out uncovered containers or open boxes filled with trash.
  
  
• Carry a litterbag in your car. Try reusing your plastic grocery bags. They make great car litterbags!
  
  
• Secure papers before placing them in a curbside recycling bin. Loose papers can be blown out by the wind.
  
  
• Are you or someone in your family part of a civic group, scouting, or recreational sports program? How about suggesting a cleanup as a public service project? In some communities, groups can earn cash by separating recyclable products from litter and redeeming them. You can even "adopt" a spot and maintain it on a regular basis. Or find out how you can plant and maintain flowers along a curb, sidewalk, or in your local park. People litter less where areas have been beautified.
  

The most successful way to prevent littering in your community is to have an ongoing, organized program that involves local government, businesses, civic groups, the media, schools, and private citizens. Find out if your community has a local Keep America Beautiful Affiliate, if not, find out how you can start a program.

(Adapted from Keep America Beautiful, Inc.'s Tips for Preventing Litter In Your Town.)

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