>From the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection - an example of what one person
>can start:
Pa. Cleanways Surpasses 10,000 Tons Of Waste Removed From Pennsylvania’s
Landscape
GREENSBURG (Nov. 12) -- PA CleanWays today announced that it has removed more
than 10,000 tons of waste from Pennsylvania’s landscape since its inception in
1990. PA CleanWays, a nonprofit organization based in Greensburg, has the
mission of empowering people to eliminate illegal dumping and littering in
Pennsylvania. PA CleanWays carries out its mission with the help of five
affiliates and 13 chapters across the state.
PA CleanWays, along with its affiliates and chapters, have conducted 829
illegal dump cleanups and 525 special collection events. Additionally, PA
CleanWays adoption groups have done hundreds of litter cleanups across the
state. This work couldn’t be possible without the efforts of PA CleanWays
volunteers. Over 47,000 volunteers have donated almost 200,000 hours of
service to help clean the state of illegal dumps and litter.
In recognition of this significant achievement, PA CleanWays has honored its
founder, Sue Wiseman, with a Legacy Award presented to her by John Dawes from
the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds at a recent event. Starting a
nonprofit organization was not something Ms. Wiseman anticipated when she and
her family decided to do something about the furniture, appliances, mattresses,
and trash that were regularly dumped along the roadway where they rode their
horses.
In April 1989, Ms. Wiseman brought her neighbors together and spent 64 hours
moving and bagging 38 tons of trash. Recognizing that clean roads would
benefit the whole community (and eventually the entire state of Pennsylvania),
she solicited local businesses, enforcement agencies, the media, and local
townships for help. This community-oriented approach, coupled with her strength
and conviction, has lead to a grassroots organization that can proudly claim
the removal of over 10,000 tons of trash from public lands statewide.
Ms. Wiseman’s vision of a cleaner Pennsylvania has not only transformed
communities but has also fostered a sense of pride within the people of
Pennsylvania. Ms. Wiseman left the organization in 2002.
“Without Sue’s vision and tenacity, PA CleanWays would never be able to have
reached this significant organizational milestone of 10,000 tons of trash
properly disposed,” said Shannon Reiter, president of PA CleanWays. “Her
efforts, along with the rest of our grassroots network and wonderful
volunteers, make Pennsylvania a better place to live, work, and play.”
Historical funders of PA CleanWays include, but are not limited, to the
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Pennsylvania
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Bureau of Forestry and
Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, the Richard King Mellon Foundation, and
the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds.
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For more information about sustainability in the Tompkins County area, please
visit: http://www.sustainabletompkins.org/
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