Keeping It Local, Keeping It Green

2015 Green Up Vermont winning poster design by Chloe Boyce, grade 11, Montpelier High School. Photo Courtesy of Green Up Vermont.

By Michelle Harrison, Green Energy Times Staff Writer

Help keep Vermont clean and green! Take part in Green Up Day on May 2nd. This event is a unique Vermont tradition bringing people together in their communities statewide to clean up roadside litter. Since 1970, the first Saturday in May has been designated as Green Up Day. It was started by Governor Deane C. Davis. In 1979, Green Up became a non-profit organization. Over 20,000 people volunteer annually in picking up litter on Green Up Day. Over 40,000 bags of trash are collected annually. Green Up Day is mainly about picking up litter, but many communities provide refreshments, breakfast, a picnic lunch, barbeque dinner, and even live music and entertainment. Come out and join the community. Get involved. Find out how your community is participating and where to pick up bags at . Make a difference for Vermont! bit.ly/VT-make-a-difference

Green Up Vermont is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the stewardship of Vermont’s natural landscape and waterways and the livability of its communities by involving people in Green Up Day and raising public awareness about the benefits of a litter-free environment. Learn more at greenupvermont.org or 802-229-4586.