Share on Facebook {mosimage}North Carolina's "MOST WANTED" is the new slogan for the 2009 Big Sweep, which targets litter that is strewn along our roadsides and waterways.

North Carolina’s “MOST WANTED” is the new slogan for the 2009 Big Sweep which targets litter that is strewn along our roadsides and waterways. “The irony of this logo is that litter and debris are among the ‘least’ wanted items in our county”, says Susan Woodard, Johnston County Coordinator. “Big Sweep’s aim is to rid the state of unwanted trash that pollutes the environment. Not only is trash unsightly, it is unhealthy and is detrimental to the economic development of our county,” she added. The North Carolina Big Sweep is part of the largest international anti-litter campaign that targets waterways and inland areas.

Since its inception in 1987 where it began as Beach Sweep, volunteers have retrieved over 10 million pounds of trash. Volunteers are needed this year to help out in the effort to rid our communities of unsightly litter and improve water quality. What is unique about Big Sweep from other anti-litter campaigns is that the different types of trash that are picked up are tallied on data cards. This information is then entered into an international database where the results help determine what is being thrown away and where. “It is a perfect example of the phrase, ‘Think globally, act locally’ where local efforts do impact the international results”, she added. The United States is one of the 104 countries that participate in the clean-up. The tallied results on the data cards do make a difference. For example, among many marinas and piers monofilament fishing line has been documented to be a prevalent litter item. This helped create the Big Sweep fishing line recycling program where 92 inland and coastal marinas participate. Large PVC tubes are conveniently located for anglers to deposit spent and tangled fishing line. Not only does this program keep litter out of our waterways, it also prevents animal entanglements.

The official NC Big Sweep will be held from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday, October 3, although some groups set their own schedule for convenience. Various sites throughout the county will be cleaned with a major emphasis on local communities, parks and schools. “This is a great opportunity for students and school groups to participate in a community service activity. There are numerous ways to incorporate Big Sweep into the school curriculum through civics, social studies, math and language arts,” says Ms. Woodard. “In addition, NC Big Sweep sponsors a poster contest for K-12 students to help design a new message each year. On two occasions Johnston County students have designed the statewide logo.” To encourage scout troop participation, the NC Big Sweep offers merit badges with the current year’s logo.

For many youth groups, this is a great way to participate in a service learning project while cultivating a stewardship ethic. Groups may select their own cleanup site or join others at a pre-determined site. Trash bags, data cards and other supplies will be provided. To volunteer, contact Susan Woodard at 934-7156 ext.3, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call the North Carolina Big Sweep hotline at 1-800-27-SWEEP. You can also learn more by visiting Big Sweep’s Web site at www.ncbigsweep.org. Make plans now to gather neighbors, co-workers, friends, church members, youth groups, scout troops and others to make a difference in your community.