On March 10, hundreds of community, business and political leaders will stand in unity for a cleaner and greener Louisiana by participating in Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s signature event, Leaders Against Litter. Now in its fourth year, Leaders Against Litter is designed to educate, cultivate and actively engage leaders throughout the state in support of a litter-free Louisiana.
Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has spearheaded the initiative by inviting more than 2,000 community, business and political leaders throughout the state to join him in support of a cleaner, greener state by attending one of the 28 local events to be held throughout the state on this date. Local events, organized by Keep Louisiana Beautiful affiliate organizations, will include a morning litter clean-up event followed by a signing of the litter pledge, a public commitment to “Stand Up, Pick Up and Stand Up” for a litter-free Louisiana.
Following the morning’s events throughout the state, a press conference will be held at 2 p.m. in Baton Rouge on the steps of the state capitol. Secretaries from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, the Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Transportation and Development will join with Volunteer Louisiana, Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain, State Police Superintendent Colonel Michael Edmonson, and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser in a public show of unity for a litter-free Louisiana.
“It is critical for our leaders to understand the direct and indirect costs that litter has on Louisiana, and this event helps to communicate these points on a public platform. That said, while the support and example of our state’s leadership body is critical to our success, there is only so much they can do. Permanent solutions will only come when each and every Louisiana citizen takes personal responsibility for their actions. After all, if we don’t throw it down, we don’t have to pick it up,” explains Susan Russell, KLB Executive Director.
The day will end with leaders calling community volunteers to join the effort by participating in the Great American Cleanup season running from March to May. During this time, KLB affiliates will conduct 30 cleanup and beautification projects throughout the state. Approximately 2,000 volunteers will pick up over 1,500 bags of litter from roadways, waterways, parks and green spaces; beautify public areas with fresh paint and graffiti removal; weed and mulch gardens; and collect recyclables and hazardous waste resulting in more beautiful local communities. To get involved, visit www.keeplouisianabeautiful.org.
Participating parishes and cities include - Abbeville, Abita Springs, Baton Rouge, Covington, De Ridder, East Feliciana, Eunice, Greater Lake Charles, Hammond, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lincoln, Mandeville, Monroe, Natchitoches, New Orleans, Ouachita, Shreveport, Slidell, St. James, St. John, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Terrebonne, Union, West Baton Rouge and West Monroe.