LTN 2017-2018 ISSUES

21

Let’s Talk Trash! JAN/FEB 2018

©2018 The Keenan Group, Inc

Places like Knoxville that have a Keep TN Beautiful Affiliate. I’ll say, as far as publications go, you all have knocked it out of the park. This is the best thing we have seen for writing or collaboration. You guys are at the top for that for sure. You guys are kind

What other organizations does TDOT work with to help push the litter initiative? Our biggest partners are Keep Tennessee Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful which is the biggest volunteer- based community volunteer organization in the nation. Tennessee is really proud to have an affiliate chapter. two miles of roadway are kept clean by any person or group who wishes to get involved. It is completely free and TDOT provides all supplies to keep the highway clean, such as: safety vests, caution signs, gargage bags, and safety educational materials. After the litter cleanup, TDOT will remove and dispose of the trash bags. Volunteers must be 12 yrs of age. Adopt-A-Highway can be used to honor the memory of a loved one too. One pick-up per quarter is recommended. Editor’s Notes: To the kids’ surprise, they were provided with T shirts and caps to wear proudly caring the message “Nobody Trashes Tennessee”. As the class and I discussed the interview, the Adopt-A-Highway became a great area of interest to the kids. We are currently looking into a 2 mile stretch to join in this great beautification program. What is Adopt -A- Highway? This is a free volunteer program where

Do movies like Finding Nemo help to make kids aware of litter and trash that can hurt animals? Absolutely, it does provide a very good message to young kids.

of rock stars right now in our world.

What do you like most about your job? My co-workers and traveling all over this state. Where does TDOT get the money for the cost to remove litter? The soda and malt beverage industry have a special tax on their products that helps supplement TDOT’s litter prevention program. What influenced you to pick up litter? Ever since I was little it bothered me. I love being outside. I studied environmental science, so I’ve seen the impacts of how it affects the water, the air quality, and wildlife.

Where is the worst area in Tennessee for litter?

Shelby County - Memphis. It is important to know that larger populated areas have more litter problems. Out of the 95 counties that are in the state, where is the best litter education that you have seen?

“Littering is a really obnoxious lazy behavior.”

TDOT Adopt-A-Highway groups help keep Tennessee beautiful! Since the program’s inception in 1989, our volunteers have collected more than 12 million pounds of litter from Tennessee’s roadsides. These valuable contributions are helping produce cleaner roadsides, reduce maintenance costs, and boost litter prevention awareness in the Volunteer State.

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