Between March 1 and May 31 of this year Keep America Beautiful challenged Americans to “green” communities through individual actions. Earlier this week, the nonprofit released the tallying figures of the nationwide effort. The reports show that 76 million pounds of debris were removed from public lands which included parks, waterway shorelines and hiking, biking and nature trials across the country. In addition, 3,100 playgrounds and community recreation areas were improved, restored or constructed and 6,500 illegal dump sites were reclaimed. Recycling records this year also rose with volunteers collecting and recycling more than 266 million plastic (PET) bottles, 7.2 million pounds of electronics, 1.1 million tires, 91.5 million pounds of newspaper, and 15 million pounds of glass. Keep America Beautiful reports that volunteers helped create 5,600 gardens, xeriscapes and greens paces, planted 129,000 trees, planted 2 million flowers and bulbs, and helped remediate 10, 600 graffiti sites.

How can you Do Your Part?

Do Your Part and make a difference through green volunteering! Keep America Beautiful is on of the many environmentally focused groups that rely on volunteers to help protect the environment. One DoYourPart.com favorite is Adopt A Stream which helps clear litter away from local waterways. Other volunteer opportunities can be read about in this DYP column.