Let's Talk Trash...

First off, can I just say that I love that this is a phrase I get to use quite regularly at my job?  Who would have thought when I was getting my degree from Purdue I'd end up caring so much about trash?

So - let's talk trash!

Our 2009 cleanup season has now ended for the year - and what a year it was.

This is the first year our program had a substantial amount of funding, and the things we were able to do were incredible - all thanks to the generous support of Walmart.

This past year we were able to host more cleanups than we ever have before and engaged more volunteers around the state in the program that we have since its inception. 

In 2009, Save The Bay hosted 49 cleanups.  1,641 individuals participated in these cleanups around the state and they collected 21,854 pounds of trash from our neighborhoods, parks, fishing areas, access points and beaches.

None of this would have been possible without the support and time of our Cleanup Leaders.  They gave up their weekends to attend training sessions and host cleanups.  I could never have managed 49 cleanups by myself or with the 3 other additional people who help with cleanups at Save The Bay.  You have made the growth of this program possible.

And just as quickly as the cleanup season went - we're now on to planning 2010s season.  We're busy seeking funding and donations to keep the program going, recruiting leaders and planning cleanups at sites around the state.  So keep your eyes and ears open for what's to come. 

How can you help?  Sign up to be a cleanup leader! Attend a cleanup (or 2 or 3)! Help support the program with a financial donation or donation of supplies!  We can't do it without help at every level.

It's shaping up to be another great year for the cleanup program - we can't wait to share the details!

In the meantime - enjoy some photos from the 2009 season!