March 29, 2019
Media Contacts:
Mark Miller, Administrator, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022
Jim Caldwell, Director, Office of Community Sustainability, 410-313-0700
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is encouraging individuals and businesses to take 20 minutes this April to step outside to pick up litter around their neighborhood, school or office complex as part of the County’s 10th annual 20 Minute Cleanup initiative. This year marks the 10th anniversary of this environmental project, in which more than 15,700 people have participated since its inception in 2010.
“The 20 Minute Cleanup is a quick and easy way we all can make a difference in our communities,” said Ball. “Litter continues to be a problem plaguing our environment. By committing just 20 minutes, it truly is amazing how much change we can make in such a short bit of time. If we all do a little bit to help, the results will add up.”
Individuals, groups of friends, coworkers, students and families are invited to choose a convenient time this April, to safely pick up litter around their building, school or neighborhood and experience the difference just 20 minutes can make. Trash and recyclables collected during the project should be disposed of using regular business or residential pick-up. The County encourages all participants to recycle as much as possible.
Participating is easy – simply do your cleanup and then share your results with us either via email at [email protected] or on LiveGreenHoward’s Facebook or Twitter pages. The hashtag #20minutecleanup can also be included. Please include the number of people who participated, how many bags of trash/recycling you collected and any photographs.
“Since 1970, Earth Day has served as a yearly reminder to take action to improve the health and safety of our environment. By working together, we can help make Howard County a little cleaner and greener,” added Ball.
To help spread the word or learn more about the 20 Minute Cleanup, visit https://livegreenhoward.com/events/20-minute-cleanup-starts/.