Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day
Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day is a holiday observed on the first Saturday after Labor Day in the United States. The purpose of this day is to encourage everyone to participate in the cleanup of federal lands.
United States (Observance)This day has been observed since 1985 and is usually marked by a variety of different cleanup activities, as well as programs and ceremonies that center around keeping federal lands in pristine condition.
This is the perfect day for people, organizations, and government entities to come together and help reclaim federal lands from the toxic waste and garbage that may have been deposited on them.
The History of Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day
This day was created by the passage of 36 U.S.C § 104. This law set the first Saturday after Labor Day as Federal Lands Cleanup Day. It gave the President the ability to issue an annual proclamation calling on the people of the U.S. to observe this day with appropriate activities, ceremonies, and programs.
In 1995, the holiday was renamed Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day in honor of Carl Garner, an American engineer who organized a cleanup of Greers Ferry Lake in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Facts About Pollution
Below are some shocking facts that we’ve learned about pollution:
- Over 100,000 sea mammals and 1 million seabirds are killed by pollution each year.
- Approximately 40% of American lakes are too polluted for fishing or swimming.
- Every year, approximately 1.2 trillion gallons of untreated sewage, industrial waste, and stormwater are dumped into the United States water supply.
Observing Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day
The best way to observe this holiday is to take the time to learn more about pollution and the effects of dumping waste on federal lands. It’s also a good day to organize an event to help clean up federal lands near you. While you’re observing this holiday, be sure to use the hashtag #CarlGarnerFederalLandsCleanupDay to spread the word about this event and to encourage more people to participate.
United States (Observance)
