2019 -- S 0854

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LC002483

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MAY 4, 2019, TO BE "GREEN UP DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE

ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senators Sosnowski, Ruggerio, Paolino, Pearson, and Lombardi

     Date Introduced: May 02, 2019

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, Litter is nothing but a piece of waste or rubbish that has been disposed of

improperly, without consent, and at an inappropriate location. Littering simply means throwing

trash on the ground or leaving it lying on the ground instead of placing it in a garbage can,

recycling bin, or refuse container; and

     WHEREAS, Litter is an eyesore that can negatively impact our sense of community and

safety. It spoils the look of where we live and has adverse economic, legal and environmental

impacts; and

     WHEREAS, Litter cleanups cost the United States $11.5 billion a year, and that figure

does not include indirect costs, such as decreased property values, commerce, and tourism; and

     WHEREAS, Areas where higher levels of litter are present are shown to attract crimes.

An area that is not kept clean will give criminals the idea that they will have an easier time

committing crimes in an area that is not well looked after; and

     WHEREAS, Litter spoils water quality when the hazardous waste seeps into soil causing

ground water pollution, and every year over 100,000 marine animals are harmfully affected by

litter pollution; and

     WHEREAS, Litter can also pose health and safety risks to curious children who are more

likely to pick items up; and

     WHEREAS, Litter control programs are critically relevant for future generations and

people of all ages and all walks of life can take part in making a difference in building more

beautiful and healthy communities; and

     WHEREAS, "Green Up Day" is a time to promote the stewardship of our state's natural

landscape and waterways and the livability of our communities by motivating and raising public

awareness about the benefits of a litter-free environment; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby proclaims May 4, 2019, to be "Green Up Day" across the State. We moreover urge the

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to help in encouraging all Rhode

Islanders to take pride in the place we call home by organizing and conducting community-wide

litter clean-up activities; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Governor of the State of Rhode Island, the

Director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, and Ms. Meagan

Filkowski.

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LC002483

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