Vermont's 43rd annual Green Up Day May 4

Vermont's 43rd annual Green Up Day takes place on Saturday May 4. Volunteers across the state will come together in their communities to clean up litter from roadsides and trash in public places.
WHEN: is Green Up Day?
Always the first Saturday in May, May 4, 2013
WHAT: is Green Up Day?
Vermont’ s unique tradition with a history ‘ when thousands of volunteers statewide join with their neighbors for a massive spring clean up of litter from roadsides and public places.
HISTORY: How did it get started?
Vermont was the first state in the nation to declare a special day to clean up the entire state. The first Green Up Day was launched in 1970 by Governor Deane C. Davis, three days before the first Earth Day. An ‘ army of volunteers,’ including many young people with help from the Vermont National Guard and Governor Davis overseeing sites from a helicopter, cleaned up litter from roadsides statewide. The Interstate was closed from 9:00 to noon. Five tractor trailers were filled with recyclable cans and bottles and trucked to neighboring states, as Vermont’ s statewide recycling system was not yet in place.
WHO TAKES PART?
People of all ages and all walks of life take part. It’ s great for families to involve young children to learn at an early age the effects of littering. Elders can help organize and help with food and festivities after the work is done.
HOW CAN PEOPLE GET INVOLVED?
Each town organizes its Green Up Day. To learn who your town’ s coordinator is, visit the ‘ How to Participate’ page of the Green Up website at www.greenupvermont.org. or check with your town office or call Green Up Vermont at 800-974-3259.
WHAT IS GREEN UP VERMONT?
Green Up Vermont is not a state agency, it is the non-profit organization responsible for the continued success of Green Up Day. Green Up Vermont must fundraise over 80% of funds from towns and the private sector. Donations are tax deductible. To donate online go to www.greenvermont.org.