In partnership with Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA), representatives from the stormwater programs of all seven cities and the County have created the ‘Central Coast Clean’ campaign to educate the public about the impacts of litter. The focus of the effort is to increase awareness among community members and encourage habits that prevent litter.
“The impact of litter on our creeks, beaches, rivers and lakes is very real,” said Benjamin A. Fine, Director of Public Works/City Engineer for the City of Pismo Beach. “We can’t rely on voluntary cleanups alone. We need to stop litter at the source and prevent it from affecting our landscapes and reaching our waterways.”
The Central Coast Clean campaign features well-loved local destinations and incorporates memorable plays on local names and landmarks to discourage littering and point viewers towards more sustainable practices. A $25,000 grant from the IWMA funded the creation of the campaign, with advertising costs supported with contributions from each of the cities and County.
“We are so pleased to be partnering on a County-wide campaign, and that we can feature our distinct local landmarks and character,” said Kate Ballantyne, Deputy Director for County Public Works.” The partnership with IWMA has been a terrific opportunity to merge and scale up smaller anti-littering efforts and produce a consistent and recognizable message across the County.”
In the coming weeks the Central Coast Clean campaign will roll out advertisements across social media platforms and through targeted web advertisements. Campaign messages will appear in various formats in each community- as well as on the RTA busses that crisscross the county. Additional advertisements will appear in the spring, ahead of the summer season.
Residents and visitors alike have expressed how they cherish the beauty of destinations across our County, and we want to protect those important resources. This campaign takes the first step of reminding everyone that littering just one little wrapper, bottle cap, or container has an impact that can really add up across the landscape. The Central Coast Clean campaign is expected to last for up to 5 years as municipalities across the County work to meet new state mandated litter reduction requirements.
“We expected this would be a popular campaign concept because it reflects a strong interest in educating the public about this important issue” noted Freddy Otte, SLO City Biologist.
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