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Keep Louisiana Beautiful to Administer Litter Task Force

On January 18, Governor John Bel Edwards announced with an executive order the establishment of a Task Force on Statewide Litter Abatement and Beautification, which will be administered by the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB).

What is the severity of the litter issue in Louisiana?

Litter is not a new problem for Louisiana. For decades, litter has become increasingly detrimental to our communities, leading to a multitude of repercussions such as:

  • Blight on natural areas, cities, towns, roadways, and waterways
  • The death of wildlife and marine life due to polluted habitat
  • Consequential decline in quality of life in neighborhoods
  • A negative impact on economic development, hurting investment, infrastructure, and tourism
  • Flooding caused by storm drains clogged with litter and debris

What will the Task Force do?

The team of 26 local and state leaders will work to build an understanding of the key drivers of litter and barriers to litter abatement; identify solutions to reduce litter throughout Louisiana’s roads, waterways, public spaces, parks, and communities; and establish shared goals and values for litter abatement. The Task Force will make recommendations to the Governor by July 1, 2022. Read more about the Task Force here.

What is KLB’s role?

The Task Force shall be administered by the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and KLB. As an organization with a mission to promote personal, corporate, and community responsibility for a clean and beautiful Louisiana, KLB will provide guidance and expertise as the Task Force prepares to present recommendations to the Governor.

What can you do to help?

Governor John Bel Edwards, in partnership with the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and KLB, has declared the fourth Saturday of every month in 2022 “Love the Boot. Don’t Pollute Day.” Pledge to participate on a monthly basis and clean up your neighborhood, a park, a roadway, or another space in your community.

PLUS save the date for “Love the Boot Week!”

KLB’s Love the Boot Week is April 18-24. Supported by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Task Force, Love the Boot Week is Louisiana’s week-long Earth Day initiative. We are asking you to participate by organizing a cleanup in your community. Together, we can take positive steps to create a better life for all of us and protect our state from litter.

Watch the Task Force press announcement:

Susan Russell, Executive Director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful, can be heard at minute 16.