Description of Individual or organization
The Tarrant Regional Water District, and the cities of Dallas, Denton and Fort Worth fund the Reverse Litter program, which exists to keep trash out of North Texas rivers, lakes and streams and our communities. The Reverse Litter campaign began in 2012. Ads featuring the Ten on Tuesday pledge, an agreement to pick up ten pieces of trash every Tuesday, have appeared on television, radio, billboards, buses, and social media periodically since the program began. To date, 21,501 people have taken the Ten on Tuesday pledge, a commitment to pick up ten pieces of trash every Tuesday. Research shows that 70 percent of pledge takers keep their commitment.
Leadership (Nominee demonstrates leadership through example, knowledge, attitude)
Reverse Litter has developed curriculum and provided education to numerous nonprofits and after school programs to help spread the word on the importance of reversing litter and keeping trash out of our waterways and communities. New outreach efforts have reached more than 500 people in the last four months. Educational events have been held in English and Spanish.
Environmental Impact (Nominee demonstrates a positive impact on the local environment via policy change, product offering, significant volunteer contribution or other achievement)
More than 21,000 North Texans have made the pledge to pick up ten pieces of trash every Tuesday and research shows at least 70 percent of them keep their commitment. This is a significant about of trash being kept out of our waterways and communities.
Community Impact (Nominee demonstrates commitment to DFW green community through involvement with causes, business ventures or organizations)
Throughout the life of the campaign, the Reverse Litter program has sought to include local leadership and influencers. For example, Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price and Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings have participated in promotional activities. Additionally, the campaign has created outreach efforts with local businesses and nonprofits including the Dallas Zoo, Goodwill Industries, the parks and recreation departments of Fort Worth and Dallas, neighborhood associations and many others.
Other reasons for your nomination
The program's results demonstrate success:
-More than 21,000 pledge takers
-Approximately 5,000 receive a bi-monthly newsletter
-The 2016 Spring paid media campaign (television/radio commercials, billboards, bus, newspaper and online ads) reached 3.5 million people.
-Research shows awareness went from 12-25% among residents in the DFW area and from 16-44% in Fort Worth
-Reverse Litter has about 2,690 Facebook followers, 349 Twitter followers and 235 followers on Instagram
-The program received coverage on channels 5, 8 and 11 this year
