Looking for something a little different to do this weekend?  Why not get outside and enjoy the great fall weather and help clean up somebody else's mess?

It goes without saying--littering is a big problem in Shreveport/Bossier.  Mayor Ollie Tyler and Shreveport Green spearhead the "Don't Be Trashy, Keep It Classy" campaign which stresses the responsibility of the individual in disposing of litter appropriately.  There are clearly defined state laws that prohibit littering and mete out punishment to offenders.  If caught littering, an individual can be fined up to $1500, have his driver's license suspended for one year, and be sentenced to serve eighty hours of community service.

Ultimately, individual responsibility for correctly disposing of trash is the only solution to the litter problem in our area.  Until that time, we'll all have to do our part in picking up after other people. This Saturday, numerous government and private organizations will band together to conduct the 8th Annual Red River Cleanup.

As the major conduit to the ocean that bisects our twin cities, the littering problem is critical on the Red River, especially with plastics.  According to an article in National Geographic there are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean.  It gets there because litter gets into our rivers and streams, and ultimately flows into the ocean.

That's why you're invited to be part of the largest dual-city cleanup of the year.  Since  2010 the Red River Cleanup has disposed of more than 87,676 tons of trash from the Red River waterway.  It'll kick off at 8am Saturday from the Stoner Boat Launch in Shreveport.  After everyone has picked up their share of trash, volunteers will be rewarded with free lunch from local restaurants.  There will also be prizes awarded in the Crazy Trash Find contest.

The Red River is a major part of our ecosystem in the Shreveport/Bossier area.  It also provides recreational activities and commercial opportunities for Louisiana residents. Its health is vital for our wildlife and for our economy.

So, if you're available Saturday morning, this is something you can do for a few hours that will truly make a positive impact on the quality of life in Northwest Louisiana.

 

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