When you are out for a walk, do you ever find trash? Do you ever pick it up? On a recent Saturday morning, I joined approximately 20 other individuals who were as eager as I was to help pick up litter
along the Ruston Way waterfront. We spent two hours on a beautiful day making the waterfront a more beautiful place for all who come to visit. It was like a treasure hunt for trash!
According to a 2022 litter study by the State of Washington Department of Ecology, “more than 26 million pounds of litter accumulates along Washington’s roads and interchanges every year. Public areas like parks, recreation areas, and rest areas see 11.6 million pounds annually. Litter is an eyesore, harms wildlife and the environment, and puts motorists at risk. Each year, our state spends up to $12 million to fund cleanup efforts, but we can only address a fraction of the problem.”
Metro Parks Tacoma sponsors community litter pick-up events during the spring and summer months at
several of our local parks. Metro Parks provides all necessary equipment, and you provide your time and
energy! For more information regarding litter pick-up opportunities, click here.
— Lisa Mason
