This new poster is part of the new anti-littering campaign. Image Credit: NYC Parks Department

The campaign stresses the importance of keeping shared green spaces clean during the pandemic. On August 28, 2020, NYC Parks announced a new campaign to address excessive littering in parks across the City since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The message is, “Show your park some love, New York. Put trash in a bag or can—or take it with you.”

The anti-trash campaign includes Parks-designed ads on LinkNYC, city bus shelters, social media, in grocery stores and park entrances, and barbeque and picnic areas across the city. Additionally, NYC Parks is creating over 100 highly visible trash corrals at picnic and barbeque areas in heavily used parks. Staff will also distribute trash bags to parkgoers to encourage them to dispose of their trash in the proper way.

NYC Parks is also working with local elected officials and organizations to start volunteer cleanup efforts. Some elected officials have already organized volunteer cleanups, including Borough Presidents Rubén Díaz Jr. and Eric Adams, and Councilmembers Justin Brannan and Francisco Moya. Parks is asking anyone interested in volunteering to assist with cleanup efforts to contact their local elected representative, friends group, or Partnerships for Parks.

“Now more than ever, our parks and greenspaces are places of refuge and we have been working hard despite the ongoing pandemic and budget reductions to keep them clean for all to enjoy, ” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “We are urging all New Yorkers to help out by disposing trash in designated receptacles, or taking it with them when they leave.”

By: Victoria Agosta (Victoria is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2022.)