TDOT’s StopLitter™ Campaign Earns National Award

 

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Transportation is proud to announce that the “StopLitter™ – Tennessee’s Had Enough” litter prevention campaign has earned a 2009 Exemplary Human Environment Initiative Award from the U.S. Department of Transportation.  The award recognizes outstanding examples of transportation projects that either create or improve conditions for human activities while protecting the natural environment.

 

“The StopLitter™ message reflects Tennesseans’ frustration with litter in our communities, and it has been extremely effective,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “This award recognizes the hard work of numerous employees who helped make this campaign a success.”

 

The StopLitter™ campaign, which was launched by First Lady Andrea Conte in 2006, was the first new, comprehensive litter prevention initiative since the 1970’s Tennessee Trash Campaign. The EHEI award recognizes TDOT in the Education and Training Programs category for developing an innovative, multi-faceted campaign to reduce roadside litter.

 

“Education is one of the strongest weapons in battling litter,” said TDOT Beautification Coordinator Shawn Bible. “This campaign has heightened awareness of the problem across the state and the negative impact litter has on our environment.”  

 

TDOT estimates it will spend $6 million for litter removal by its maintenance forces and paid contractors. An additional $5 million in annual funds, collected through a tax on the soft drink and malt beverage industry, is used across the state to assist local communities with litter collection and litter prevention education. In addition, 3,850 volunteers donate their time to picking up litter from approximately 770 miles of state-owned roadsides through TDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program.

 

For more information on the StopLitter™ program, please visit http://www.stoplitter.org/.

 

###