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More than 131 tons of trash were removed in just three hours with the help of over 3,454 volunteers who braved the rain and wind to pick up trash and illegally dumped items during the 18th Annual Potomac Watershed Cleanup held April 8, reported the Alice Ferguson Foundation, which spearheads the annual spring tradition.
Congressman Chris Van Hollen said, “It was great to be out here today with so many engaged citizens who really care about having a clean environment to live in. It is always eye-opening to see what kind of trash is landing in our community. Together we need to keep working to eliminate this unacceptable trash issue.”
The cleanup continues to grow and gain support with the help of elected officials, youth groups, the DC DIVA’s National Women’s Football Association Team, military volunteers, nonprofit groups, and hundreds of communities and citizens. Nearly 300 cleanup sites located in 18 jurisdictions throughout the Potomac watershed are now healthier and more beautiful. Lined up, the collected bags of trash would stretch 3.5 miles.
"Governor Ehrlich and I are committed to working towards cleaning up the Anacostia and Potomac Watersheds,” said Kendl P. Philbrick, Secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment. “We look forward to working closely with the Alice Ferguson Foundation to accomplish our goal of a trash free Potomac by 2013".
Kabuki Mask?
As in previous years, 70,800 recyclable beverage containers were collected which accounts for 30 percent of the bagged trash collected. In addition, trash collected at the event could have built and furnished several homes; construction and domestic products include: roofing material, an entire roll of unused floor insulation, 300 pounds of brick, vinyl siding, 400 feet of plastic conduit, several kitchen sinks, hot water heater, refrigerator, multiple sofas, mattresses, woodstove, toilets, doors, bed frames, coffee tables, chairs, washing machines, televisions, air conditioners, microwaves, computers, rugs, stereo, lawn mowers, a baby stroller. Other interesting items found were a vending machine, Kabuki mask, a full bottle of chardonnay, big plastic gingerbread man, Red Cross Stretcher, 1932 boat motor, 1930’s tricycle, a ringer washing machine, 2 full IV bags, 3 street signs attached to poles, a freezer with pigs feet, bowling pin and birdbath. For the first time, volunteers monitored the brand names at each site. 7-11, Budweiser, Coke and Pepsi were noted most often.
“The volunteers who come out to the annual Potomac Watershed Clean Up truly make a positive contribution to the overall quality of life in their own communities as well as those throughout the watershed,” said Congressman Steny Hoyer. “The foundation’s efforts help raise awareness in our region about the importance of taking responsibility for our communities and the ways we can preserve and protect this river, its tributaries and our environment. As I have many times in the past, I enjoyed lending a hand at this year's Clean Up.”
Potomac Watershed Trash Treaty
Recently, 22 elected officials signed the Potomac Watershed Trash Treaty, which pledges to create a trash free Potomac by 2013. The first Potomac Watershed Trash Summit convened on March 16 at The World Bank in Washington, D.C. where officials representing 18 major jurisdictions in the Potomac Watershed pledged to cooperate with actions for reducing trash output, increasing recycling, and boosting pubic education and awareness of trash issues.
“The cleanup is vital for raising awareness of the trash and litter plaguing the Potomac Watershed,” said Tracy Bowen, executive director of the Alice Ferguson Foundation, which organizes the cleanup. “Each year we break new records for number of people involved, however much more needs to be done to get to a trash free Potomac by 2013.”
The AFF annual Cleanup is the largest volunteer event of its kind in this region, and is possible through a vast network of partners and sponsors.
For more information about the 18th Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup, including additional photos and video clips, please visit:
www.potomaccleanup.org. |
