Leaders from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Philadelphia Water Department (PWD), and Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE) came together to celebrate Earth Week and launch the new ad campaign 'Trash Free Waters Begin with YOU!' in Philadelphia. The campaign, featuring artwork by Helen Munnelly, aims to raise awareness about the impact of litter on waterways and engage the community in keeping the environment clean.
EPA Deputy Regional Administrator Cathy Libertz emphasized the importance of collaboration in protecting the environment, stating, “Whether it’s Earth Day or any other day, we all have a role to in keeping our environment cleaner, greener, and safer.” Philadelphia Water Commissioner Randy E. Hayman highlighted the role of the public in reducing litter, stating, “Campaigns like this educate our residents and engage communities to work with us in partnership to keep our rivers and streams clean.”
Kathy Klein, Executive Director of PDE, discussed the broader impact of the Trash Free Waters campaign, saying, “It symbolizes a community within the Delaware Estuary, showcasing their passion for the environment. We need to continue working to change attitudes, behaviors, and policies around litter and trash in our waterways. Art can help. Art can turn thinking into doing and bring people together to leave a lasting impact on society.”
The Trash Free Waters program, initiated by the EPA in 2013, aims to prevent trash from polluting waterways and remove existing debris. Through partnerships, informational resources, and shared learning, the program seeks to improve the health of waterways and communities. The ad campaign will be displayed at various locations in the city, including SEPTA and PATCO stops.
The initiative underscores the importance of individual actions in preserving the environment and emphasizes the significant impact that small efforts can have on protecting water resources.
