Voices of VU PHL: Winnie Branton, Pennsylvania Resources Council
Have you ever wondered where the phrase, “Don’t be a Litterbug,” comes from? A founding member of the Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC) first coined the internationally-recognized phrase in the 1950s to help educate and motivate the public to be good environmental stewards.
We’re excited to be partnering with PRC for our first-ever virtual event this Saturday, May 9. Check out our Q&A with Winnie Branton, President of the Board of Directors, to learn more about PRC and its Litter? Not in Philly initiative.
Tell us about the Pennsylvania Resources Council.
PRC is a statewide grassroots environmental conservation organization. For more than 80 years, PRC has led the fight against litter pollution in Pennsylvania. One of our founding members created the Litterbug character in the 1950s and coined the phrase “Don’t Be a Litterbug” - both of which have been used nationally and internationally to educate and motivate the public to put trash where it belongs and be good environmental stewards. In addition to litter prevention, PRC partners with local governments to host recycling collection events, helps homeowners build rain gardens and install rain barrels, and educates kids and adults in classes and workshops about waste prevention and recycling, composting, and green living.
Why did you launch the Litter? Not in Philly Initiative?
Litter? Not in Philly is the brainchild of Dave Brindley. I reached out to Dave after reading about the project in a Code for Philly post. Philly’s litter problem is well known and well documented. Dave’s idea was simple – encourage people to commit to picking up litter on their blocks once a week and, collectively, we would all be working together towards a cleaner Philly. It was a perfect fit for PRC’s mission. Through a first-of-a-kind web-based map platform, Philly residents can claim their blocks and commit to spending 15 minutes a week picking up litter on their own schedules. When funding is available, we provide members with trash grabbers to help make their work a little easier. More than 1600 volunteers from West Philly to Fishtown to Roxborough have signed up and claimed their blocks. From the beginning, this project has been volunteer-driven. The mapping technology was developed by volunteer web designers and programmers from Code for Philly and Think Company, who have collectively donated more than 1,000 hours in technical development and maintenance services. Litter? Not in Philly is a low cost, community-based and very timely solution to addressing the litter problem. This is something you can do alone or with a friend, on your own schedule, with nothing more than some gloves and a couple of trash bags (one for trash and one for recyclables). We’ve been able to source some neighborhoods with grabbers, thanks to donations and corporate sponsors and hope to be able to supply more as further encouragement for people to sign up and join Not in Philly. We’re thrilled to partner with Volunteering Untapped PHL for the virtual outdoor cleanup event on May 9th to pick up litter in neighborhoods across Philly and beyond.
How can Philadelphians safely help address the city’s litter problem amid COVID-19?
With community cleanups shut down, individuals have to step up to help keep Philly clean. To keep yourself safe when doing an outdoor litter cleanup, you want to follow all of the City’s and the CDC’s guidelines to protect against COVID-19, including social distancing and wearing a mask under certain conditions. Our mantra for any cleanup is safety first. Be careful and use good judgment, we don’t want anyone getting hurt. To protect your hands, wear gloves (gardening gloves, utility gloves, and the like). If you have a grabber, use it to place trash and recyclables in their bags. Bring the bags home and put them out with your household trash and recycling. When you get home, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly and clean and disinfect your gloves and grabber for your next litter pickup.
What is your favorite part of Philly to explore?
I’ve lived in Center City for years and still find small streets, unique architecture, and local treasures that are new to me. I love City Hall and can’t wait until the gates are open and Dilworth Plaza is full of people enjoying that beautiful spot. I highly recommend the City Hall Tower Tour and the trip up to the top with Billy Penn. Breathtaking views of the city and really engaging tour guides.
What is your go-to local restaurant in the city?
No question. Santucci’s Original Square Pizza at 10th & Christian in the Italian Market. Best pizza hands down. Great staff that always make you feel welcome.
