Scenic Hudson's
Great River Sweep

April 19-27, 2003

The Great River Sweep is an annual event sponsored by Scenic Hudson that unites thousands of volunteers to help rid the banks of the Hudson River of trash and debris while improving access to the River and raising River awareness. Sweep 2003 runs from April 19-27, and is timed to coordinate with Earth Day.

This all-volunteer event relies heavily on input from local communities to help select cleanup sites and groups to involve. Leaders organize cleanups and Scenic Hudson provides logistical advice, cleanup supplies and insurance coverage. Last year a state grant enabled the Great River Sweep to expand north of Albany and to conduct an important litter survey.

New York State non-returnable beverage containers make up a great majority of beverage container litter in Hudson Valley communities. The survey found that non-returnable beverage containers make up 61 percent of litter, despite accounting for only 22 percent of the beverage container market.

In addition, the survey found that tires, household appliances and beverage containers make up 49 percent by weight and 79 percent by volume of the Hudson Valley litter stream. Tires make up approximately 29 percent by weight and 13 percent by volume, and household appliances make up approximately 4 percent by weight and 1 percent by volume. Other common items were Styrofoam, plastic, paper, cigarette butts and food wrappers.

To volunteer and for more information call the hotline at (845) 473-TIDE, e-mail volunteer@scenichudson.org or complete and mail the coordinator registration form (pdf/32kb). You also can support the Great River Sweep by making a donation to Scenic Hudson to help build a greater appreciation of our American Heritage River.

Scenic Hudson Great River Sweep

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