News

Louisiana Deserves Better — Are You Joining the 2026 Litter-Free Revolution? 🌍

Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB), joined by Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, is urging residents in all 64 Louisiana parishes to make litter prevention part of their 2026 resolutions.

KLB is promoting 10 simple New Year’s resolutions aimed at reducing litter and keeping Louisiana’s communities, roadways and waterways clean.

Officials say even small, everyday actions can have a meaningful impact on the state’s environment, economy and quality of life.

“As we approach America’s 250th birthday, caring for our communities is a responsibility we all share,” Nungesser said. “By never littering and picking it up when we see it, we can protect Louisiana’s natural beauty and ensure future generations inherit a cleaner, greener state.”

Susan Russell, executive director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful, said litter affects far more than appearances.

“Litter hurts our economy, our environment and our quality of life,” Russell said. “By adopting one or all of these resolutions, individuals can help prevent litter and truly Let Louisiana Shine.”

Among the recommended resolutions are:

Securing trash bags and outdoor trash cans
Keeping garbage bags in vehicles to properly dispose of trash at home
Checking truck beds for loose debris

According to KLB studies, motorists are responsible for more than half of roadside litter, with unsecured loads accounting for a significant portion.

Residents are also encouraged to:

Secure loads with tarps or tie-downs
Use travel ashtrays to prevent cigarette litter
Reduce the use of single-use plastics such as water bottles and plastic bags

Plastic bottles were found at the majority of surveyed litter sites across Louisiana.

KLB also highlights the role of businesses, encouraging owners to:

Keep parking lots clean
Install trash receptacles when possible

Education and conversation about the importance of not littering with friends and family is another key step in preventing future litter.

One major opportunity to get involved will be Love the Boot Week, a statewide cleanup and beautification effort scheduled for April 18-26. Registration opens Jan. 12 at LoveTheBoot.org. The annual event has already mobilized more than 25,000 volunteers across Louisiana.

Finally, residents are urged to pick up litter when they see it and report littering or illegal dumping by calling the state hotline at 855-LA-LITTER. Cleanup supplies may also be available through local libraries participating in the Get Down and Clean Up program.

Litter includes items such as: