September isn’t just National Food Safety Education Month, it’s also National Cleanup Month – a volunteer program to remove litter from our public spaces and waterways. Space cleanliness, food safety and pest control go hand in hand, as we’re reminded how much waste humanity generates. Some statistics put it in perspective:
- There are almost 50 billion pieces of litter along U.S. roadways and waterways which equals out to 152 pieces per American.
- Litter costs the U.S. over $11 billion annually to clean up.
- Large amounts of litter can decrease property values and drive customers away from businesses.
- Littering can lead to soil and water pollution and become breeding grounds for insects and rodents.
We know our PSSI team members are active members of the communities where they live and raise their families. So, if you’re looking to help the environment and inspire others to pick up their litter, consider participating in National CleanUp Day on Saturday, September 23rd.
The global event is dedicated to keeping our beautiful outdoors free of litter. The founders started the organization with the belief that, “people are naturally responsible; if we encourage them to care for their favorite places, to pick up after themselves and others, then our outdoor spaces will become self-sufficient, clean, and more enjoyable.”
Picking up litter is a great habit to start and pass on to others, formally declared day or otherwise—plus, and it’ll make you feel good about yourself.