Our Opinion: Join the "Bash!' Remove litter, protect wildlife, save money

News Tribune editorial

Although today's forecast for snow showers and highs in the 40s is anything but spring-like, the season began more than a week ago.

The change in seasons is accompanied by spring cleaning that - in Missouri - takes the form of the annual No MOre Trash! Bash, with activities held throughout April.

Sponsored by Missouri's Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and Department of Conservation, the event encourages people to join the effort to clean up litter from roadsides, parks, neighborhoods, rivers, streams and trails.

Volunteer participation helps channel tax dollars to needed infrastructure rather to clean-up costs. The annual volunteer effort is valued at $1 million, which remains a fraction of MoDOT's annual $6 million expense to remove litter from its more than 385,000 acres of roadsides along 34,000 highway miles.

The No MOre Trash! Bash continues to attract significant participation and attention. Last year, about 14,000 volunteers representing more than 1,200 groups took part.

In connection with the cleanup, 157 educational and awareness events were held last year to emphasize prevention.

Littering is more than a beautification issue, it is dangerous to wildlife.

Joe Jerek, Conservation's coordinator for the event, said: "Birds, fish, turtles and other animals get tangled in litter, such as plastic six-pack holders and fishing line, and it can kill them." He also reminds offenders they face a penalty. "Litter poisons fish, birds and other wildlife and can cost a litterer up to $1,000 in fines and one year in jail," he added.

Anyone interested in more information or becoming a participant is asked to visit www.nomoretrash.org or call 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636).

Participation is helpful to the state and personally rewarding.

Volunteers help beautify surroundings, protect wildlife and channel savings to other, much-needed transportation and conservation initiatives.

The investment of time and energy is encouraged and appreciated.