In a notable nod to environmental advocacy, the Tennessee Department of Transportation's (TDOT) anti-litter campaign, "Nobody Trashes Tennessee," has recently racked up an impressive six awards from the Public Relations Society of America's (PRSA) Nashville Chapter. Lauded for its concerted effort in litter prevention, the campaign particularly shone during the 39th Annual Parthenon Awards, which is a congregation that celebrates the crème de la crème of Middle Tennessee's public relations professionals, commending the foremost PR campaigns and signaling out industry leaders, according to a TDOT press release.
Bagging Parthenon Awards across three distinct categories—Integrated Communications, Monthly Observance, and Kick-Off News Release—the "No Trash November" initiative was a central piece in receiving accolades, the initiative not only mobilized more than 2,200 volunteers who took part in 154 cleanup events, but it also succeeded in eliminating over 86,000 pounds of litter from Tennessee's environment, a TDOT proclamation declared that "TDOT is honored with this recognition, but the real winners are our residents and communities that help to keep our state clean," the Commissioner Will Reid said, celebrating the joint effort that fortifies the state's ecological health, as noted by the same press release.
Additionally, the "Trash Masters Rewards" program, which incentivizes individuals for their contributions to litter prevention, and the bear-proof trash can initiative, a partnership between TDOT and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), also received Merit Awards for their impact and innovative approach in tackling the state’s litter woes. The campaign's success extends beyond the regional level, as "Nobody Trashes Tennessee" garnered an Award of Excellence at the 2024 PRSA Anvil Awards, recognizing its national significance.
Over the past three years, TDOT has earned 13 Parthenon Awards and six Merit Awards for its litter-prevention campaign.
