LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Keep Louisiana Beautiful

Keep Louisiana Beautiful

Dear Editor,

Each year in Louisiana, municipalities, parishes, and state agencies spend more than $40 million on litter abatement. As shocking as that sounds, that’s only the beginning of the true cost of litter in Louisiana. The indirect economic costs of litter are also considerable. A littered, neglected community decreases property values by 7 percent, attracts criminal elements, deters business growth, and contributes to the loss of existing and new business. Litter tarnishes the image of the state and local communities, resulting in a loss in tourism. Litter impacts the environment by contributing to habitat destruction especially in marine and aquatic ecosystems and to pet and wildlife injury and death due to litter entanglement, toxicity and ingestion. Discarded litter can be a breeding ground for vermin and disease-causing bacteria, a public health risk. Public safety is threatened when a discarded lit cigarette causes a roadside fire or debris on the roadway leads to a vehicular wreck.

With a network of 39 statewide affiliates and 23,000 volunteers, Keep Louisiana Beautiful is the state’s leading non-profit organization working to reduce litter and waste, increase recycling, and enhance the beauty of our local communities.

On March 13, Keep Louisiana Beautiful will spearhead Leaders Against Litter, an event aimed to raise awareness of the litter problem in Louisiana and gather support from leaders of all walks of life, and elected officials.

Terrebonne will conduct morning local cleanups followed by the pledge signing. Won’t you make a stand for a cleaner more beautiful Louisiana? Volunteer, speak up and pick up. Get involved by calling 985-502-9024 or emailing srussell@keeplouisianabeautiful.org.

Susan Russell

Executive Director,

Keep Louisiana Beautiful