PHASE II HOME

Measure 1 home

1a: Establish a program

1b: Informational web site

1c: Develop materials

1d: Disseminate materials

Education Partnerships

SITE MAP
 
NCSU-CES

 Litter

Litter has become a significant source of pollution. Litter and debris impair water quality, as well as the aesthetic and recreational value of waters, and may also be a hazard to wildlife. Litter washes down the street during a rain shower, goes into the storm sewer, and ends up in your neighborhood creeks, rivers and lakes. And it stays there a long time. Cigarette butts can take 25 years to break down because of the plastic filters; plastic six-pack rings can take 100 years to break down; and a glass bottle will take 1,000 years (Texas DNR 2004).

Some of the most common items that people throw out improperly include:litter1.gif

  • Fast-food containers
  • Bags
  • Cups
  • Cigarette butts
  • Household waste
  • Refrigerators and other appliances
  • Building and construction waste
  • Tires
  • Diapers

You may wish to select litter as an Action Issue for your jurisdiction if you observe a lot of problems with roadside garbage. It can also be a good Action Issue to start with if you think that your citizens would not be receptive to some of the other Action Issues – most people agree that litter is unsightly and undesirable.

Target Audiences

  • All of the citizens of your jurisdiction, particularly:
  • People who get their fast food “to go”
  • School children who may bring the message home to their parents
  • Smokers

Approach

This message is so universal that it would be most effective to address it with TV and radio advertising and PSAs. Since this is expensive, you will most likely want to partner with a number of other local governments who can also benefit from spreading the word. There are numerous excellent examples of media campaigns included in the toolbox.

Existing Educational Materials

Do not use any materials on this website without first contacting the sponsoring organization and obtaining their permission.

Slogans           

  • Litter: It Just Isn’t Natural (Virginia DEQ)
  • Don’t Mess with Texas (Texas DNR)
  • Litter and it will Hurt (Washington State Dept. of Ecology)

Public Outreach

Mass Media: Newspaper Release

Mass Media: TV Advertising and PSAs

Mass Media: Radio Advertising and PSAs

Public Venues: Events

Public Venues: Signs & Billboards

Videos

  • Don’t Trash our Future (City of San Diego, CA) teaches children not to put trash in storm drains. Contact the City of San Diego at 619-525-8649.
  • Messing with Texas (Texas DNR) is a 15-minute video that teaches teens not to litter.

Lesson Materials for Schools

Websites