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National Cleanup Day

Make a difference and join in on National Cleanup Day - help keep your community beautiful by picking up litter and reducing waste!
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United States
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Introduction

Join in on the fun and get ready to make a difference on National Cleanup Day, which takes place on the third Saturday of September! This day was created in 1988 by Gaylord Nelson, the former Governor of Wisconsin, as a way to encourage people to take action and help clean up their local communities. Every year thousands of people come together to pick up trash and debris from beaches, parks, rivers, and other public areas. It's a great opportunity to give back to our planet as well as meet new people and make some lasting memories!

History of National Cleanup Day

National Cleanup Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1988</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of National Cleanup Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Governor Gaylord Nelson creates National Cleanup Day to encourage community cleaning efforts.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Official Cleanup</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first official national cleanup is held, with thousands of people across the country participating.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Extent of Cleanup Activities Expands</div><div class='timeline-text'>Cleanup activities extend beyond land, including cleaning up rivers, oceans, and mountain areas.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Recognition of Cleanup Efforts</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Cleanup Day begins to receive global recognition, as similar efforts are held worldwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>COVID-19 Implications</div><div class='timeline-text'>Adaptations are made during the COVID-19 pandemic, including virtual events and emphasizing family or small group cleanups.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Cleanup Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a clean up event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get together with friends, family or co-workers to host a cleanup event. Team up to pick up trash and debris from parks, beaches, or any other outdoor areas that need help.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate items</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Donate items that are no longer being used to a charity or thrift store. Not only will you be cleaning up your own space, but you'll also be helping out someone else in the process.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Recycle</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather all recyclable items and take them to the local recycling center. This is an easy way to help reduce the amount of waste in your community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Clean out your car</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to clean out your car and get rid of all the unnecessary items you may have accumulated over time.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plant a tree</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Planting a tree is a great way to help clean up your environment and add more oxygen to the air. Pick up a sapling from your local nursery and get planting!</p></div></div>

Why National Cleanup Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It protects local wildlife</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By keeping our environment clean, we are helping to preserve fragile habitats and protect the many species that call these places home. Cleanup projects also improve water quality, which is critical for the health of both aquatic and land animals alike.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It helps prevent pollution</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Litter can easily find its way into storm drains and rivers, resulting in trash ending up in oceans or even entering the human food chain. By keeping our environment clean, we stop pollutants from making their way into the water supply.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes a sense of community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Cleanup Day is an opportunity to come together with friends, family and neighbours to help make our community cleaner and brighter. It's a great chance to create meaningful relationships while doing something positive for the planet!</p></div></div>

5 Unheard Facts On National Cleanup Day

National Cleanup Day FAQs

When is National Cleanup Day?

National Cleanup Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Sep 16

Saturday

2024

Sep 21

Saturday

2025

Sep 20

Saturday

2026

Sep 19

Saturday

2027

Sep 18

Saturday

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