Keep Louisiana Beautiful's Love Our Waterways, the first statewide coordinated cleanup dedicated to protecting local water resources results were successful. This project was dedicated to clean and preserve Louisianas vital river, lakes, bayous and shorelines.
The month-long push mobilized more than 4,300 volunteers across 51 parishes. Working at 327 individual cleanup events, these volunteers put in hours valued at nearly $1.8 million in community labor. Together, they successfully hauled away 68 tons of trash and debris, along with 177 discarded tires, from state waters and banks.
The campaign brought together a diverse group of participants, including local nonprofits, civic groups, state and local government agencies, schools, universities, businesses, families, and Keep Louisiana Beautiful Affiliate organizations. Volunteers tackled the litter from all angles, participating in shoreline sweeps, storm drain cleanouts, and waterway cleanups by boat. KLB supported these local efforts by distributing more than 200 supply kits containing trash bags, gloves, and event T-shirts.
The most common items collected were plastic beverage bottles, metal cans, and plastic snack packaging. The strong turnout reflects a growing statewide momentum to preserve the natural resources that fuel Louisiana’s culture, economy, cuisine, and quality of life.
“Every cleanup begins with someone deciding to make a difference,” said Keep Louisiana Beautiful Executive Director Susan Russell. “The cleanup events demonstrate how individual actions add up. We encourage residents to keep that effort going year-round by volunteering in their community, picking up litter when they see it, and disposing of waste properly.”
Love Our Waterways received $205,000 in private sponsorships, proving the state's business community is deeply invested in environmental stewardship.
To support or learn more about Keep Louisiana Beautiful and its cause, visit KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org
