As elected officials, we have heard from many of you that you believe freeway litter is a serious concern in our state. It is for us, too. Don’t Trash Arizona! is a Today, there are two types of drivers who litter—those who deliberately toss items from their car window and those who accidently lose items from loads not properly secured. No matter how debris makes it onto Valley roadways, it is ugly and poses a threat to drivers who must swerve to avoid hitting it. However, that threat can be avoided and each person can make a difference in keeping Arizona beautiful.
The first step is to make the Don’t Trash Arizona “Safe Loads = Safe Roads Pledge.” With it, you pledge to keep Valley roads cleaner and safer. You also will receive immediate tips for reducing litter, as well as be entered for a chance to win a Don’t Trash Arizona vinyl tarp for securing your own loads! One winner will be selected each month beginning Feb. 28, 2010.
It’s ugly. It’s unhealthy. It’s unsafe. So why do people litter our freeways? Some believe that one small piece of trash won’t matter, but those small pieces have added up to a giant problem.
To understand the depth of the issue, the following are some litter facts:
With nearly 150,000 bags of trash being picked up off Valley freeways each year, it is no wonder that litter:
- Ruins our beautiful desert vistas
- Leads to traffic accidents and freeway delays
- Impacts our economy as tourists and new businesses fail to return due to a poor impression
In response, the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), in conjunction with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), has embarked on a Litter Education and Prevention Program to help reduce the amount of litter on Valley and State freeways. The message is simple: Don't Trash Arizona!
in Online Don’t Trash Arizona! Web Game
PHOENIX (April 22, 2009) – The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) has launched a new interactive Web game that promotes anti-littering behavior and safety messages while keeping users entertained and coming back for more. The interactive game, Litter Patrol Arcade, targets teenagers in an effort to teach them the consequences of freeway littering before or about the time they get their driver’s licenses. Content is anchored in information from experts in anti-litter prevention and education.
The new online tool promotes key Don’t Trash Arizona messages through a series of themed interactive games with varying levels of expertise that encourage users to try, try again. While research conducted by MAG has found that young adults, primarily males ages 18 to 24, are most likely to litter, the goal of Litter Patrol Arcade is to reach teens as they are learning driving habits and developing attitudes toward littering. Younger kids are also expected to enjoy the game.
