Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) is asking Louisianans to adopt one of their resolutions to help clean up the Bayou State in the New Year. Director for KLB Susan Russell says litter is a major issue in Louisiana. She says one simple resolution is to a bag in the car to collect litter.
“You have a bag of fast food, some mail, or whatever it might be in your car. You open up your door and it accidentally blows out. So if you have a bag to dispose of that litter that’s one great way and disposing of it when you get home.”
According to KLB’s 2023 roadside litter study, there are more than 143 million pieces of litter on Louisiana roadways.
Russell says truck drivers can make sure their bed is free of debris. She also urges truck drivers to secure large loads when transporting items on the highway.
“We’ve all seen the mattress and the chest of drawers, the ice chest, those are all from unsecured loads. Not only does that then become litter but it’s also very much a safety hazard and a roadside hazard.”
More than 53 percent of roadway litter is due to motorists. The KLB study also found Louisiana taxpayers are paying more than $91 million annually on litter abatement, a 65 percent increase since 2010.
Russell suggests using reusable bottles and bags and fewer single-use paper and plastic items.
“Stop using paper plates and paper napkins. And stop using plastic grocery bags or styrofoam cups that don’t biodegrade.”
Visit LetLouisianaShine dot org for more resolutions and litter facts.
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