JACKSON, Miss.- Earth Day is Wednesday. It’s a day when people are encouraged to be conscious about keeping the environment clean and the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) wants to remind residents that picking up litter is one way to cut down on pollution in the magnolia state.
MDOT spends over $3 million a year picking up litter along Mississippi roadways- not counting the costs of decreased property values, decreased commerce and tourism and health risks. “This is money that could be used to build and maintain our roads and bridges,” says MDOT in a press release.
Sixty-two percent of all litter in Mississippi is deliberate, and consists mainly of convenience products and packaging. Also, litter rates along rural roads in Mississippi are 30 percent higher than in other states.
MDOT has several litter prevention programs that allow people across the state to get involved in the fight against litter.
MDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program is one way to get involved. Anyone can apply to adopt a section of highway: fraternities or sororities, civic organizations, church groups, scout groups and commercial or private enterprises. You can adopt a section of a state maintained highway and make a commitment to keeping it clean and litter free. To submit an application for admission into the Adopt-A-Highway Program, contact the MDOT District Litter Prevention Coordinator in your area or visit our website.
MDOT’s “Myrtle the Turtle” program targets school age children, grades K-5. Included in the 30-minute presentation is an eight-minute animated video which depicts Myrtle’s world. Myrtle considers all of Mississippi her home and encourages children to take responsibility to keep their home, Mississippi, clean and beautiful for all to enjoy.
For more information on any of these litter prevention programs, visit GoMdot.com or call (601) 359-7111.
