Louisianans can help make a difference in their community by volunteering for Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s Love the Boot Week, taking place April 18–26.
The fifth year of Love the Boot Week is Louisiana's largest statewide litter removal and beautification initiative. The effort is organized by Keep Louisiana Beautiful, which is in partnership with Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, who encourages residents across all 64 parishes to participate.
“This year’s Love the Boot Week is especially meaningful as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday by giving back to the communities we call home,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “By getting outside, working together, and taking pride in our surroundings, volunteers are not only improving Louisiana’s landscapes – they’re also improving their own health.”
Mental and physical health benefits of volunteering outdoors include: improved physical health, less screen time, increased vitamin D, lowered stress, reduced mosquito risks, lower risk of hypertension, and building connections with the community.
"When you give the gift of your time to volunteer and help your neighbors, it can give a big boost to your overall health and well-being. People who volunteer report lower stress, increased happiness, and a renewed sense of purpose because they are doing something good for others. All those things can go a long way toward your mental health,” said Louisiana Blue Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dee Barfield. “There are physical health benefits, too. When you have more access to green spaces and clean public areas, you’re more likely to exercise and spend time outside and off a screen. This can help you add movement to your day.”
Last year during Love the Boot Week, 26,935 individuals volunteered a total of 81,852 hours at 1,408 events in all 64 parishes, leading to the removal of 514 tons of litter. In addition to litter removal, volunteers focused on community beautification, planting 1,204 trees and 3,672 plants, and refurbishing 477 gardens.
For more information or to register for a cleanup event, visit LoveTheBoot.org.
