The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is making strides with its ongoing Nobody Trashes Tennessee (NTT) litter prevention campaign, inviting young environmental stewards to join forces ahead of their upcoming anti-litter event. The campaign, initiated in 2023, now introduces the third patch in its series, aimed at engaging scouts and young community leaders. The latest 'Rocco the Raccoon' patch is a reward for those who complete their third cleanup service project, honoring their dedication to the environment.
With the 5th Annual No Trash November on the horizon, TDOT has a new target: to collect at least 75,000 pounds of litter from the state's byways and streams. According to an announcement released by TDOT, in last year's event, they nearly hit their mark with a total of 69,000 pounds of litter gathered by the participating volunteers, which includes more than 2,400 scouts and other youth members.
The 'Rocco the Raccoon' patch joins the NTT logo patch, earned after a scout's first cleanup, and the 'Trashsquatch' patch, for the second endeavor. The sequential nature of these awards not only incentivizes repeated participation but also highlights young individuals' continued commitment to preserving the beauty and safety of their communities. As the date for the initiative nears, local scouts and youth groups are being encouraged to organize or partake in regional cleanup activities.
All three Girl Scout councils and all six Scouting America councils in Tennessee have partnered with the Nobody Trashes Tennessee campaign, providing educational resources for litter prevention in addition to the patch program. The opportunity to earn these patches is extended to any youth group in the state that engages in cleanup services. TDOT provides these patches at no cost, a statement from the organization confirmed. For those scouting groups interested in contributing to this environmental cause, information and registration for cleanups are accessible via the NTT website.
Moreover, the campaign extends an invitation to individuals over the age of 13 to enroll in their Trash Masters Rewards program. Eligible participants can earn points for a few activities, like attending cleanups, completing quizzes on litter prevention, and promoting awareness on social media platforms. These points are exchangeable for local business discounts and exclusive NTT branded items, fostering a community that not only cleans but also proudly represents their commitment to environmental stewardship.
