National River Cleanup Day: A Day for Cleaner Rivers
National River Cleanup Day is an annual event dedicated to cleaning up trash and debris from rivers and watersheds across the United States. It brings together volunteers to protect and restore waterways, ensuring they remain safe and healthy for future generations.
Quick Facts
- When is it? May 17, 2025
- Tagged as: Environmental Awareness, Community Action
- What’s the hashtag? #NationalRiverCleanup
- When was it founded? 1991
- Who founded it? American Rivers
History of National River Cleanup Day
Established in 1991 by American Rivers, this initiative was created to address the growing pollution in U.S. waterways. Since its inception, over 1.3 million volunteers have participated in thousands of cleanups, covering more than 261,000 miles of rivers and removing over 32.5 million pounds of litter. The event has grown into a nationwide movement that fosters environmental stewardship and community collaboration.
Timeline
- 1991: National River Cleanup Day is launched by American Rivers.
- 2000s: Millions of pounds of trash are removed annually through volunteer efforts.
- 2020: Virtual cleanups are introduced during the pandemic.
- 2024: Over 17,000 pounds of trash are removed from Santa Clara County waterways.
Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 17 | Saturday |
| 2026 | May 16 | Saturday |
| 2027 | May 15 | Saturday |
| 2028 | May 20 | Saturday |
| 2029 | May 19 | Saturday |
| 2030 | May 18 | Saturday |
Observed
National River Cleanup Day is observed through community-driven cleanup events along rivers and streams. Volunteers collect trash, remove debris, and raise awareness about pollution’s impact on ecosystems.
Fun Facts About National River Cleanup Day
- Over 1.3 million volunteers have participated since its inception.
- Volunteers have cleaned more than 261,000 miles of waterways.
- Nearly half of all trash collected is food packaging waste.
- In a single day, volunteers removed 2,500 pounds of trash from the Jordan River.
- Items like shopping carts, refrigerators, and even broken pianos have been found during cleanups.
Quiz
- What year was National River Cleanup Day founded?
- Which organization launched this initiative?
- What percentage of trash collected is food packaging waste?
(Answers: 1. 1991; 2. American Rivers; 3. About half)
FAQs
Q: How can I participate in National River Cleanup Day?
A: You can join an organized cleanup event near you or start your own by registering with American Rivers.
Q: Why is this day important?
A: It raises awareness about water pollution while actively removing harmful debris from rivers.
Q: Can children volunteer?
A: Yes! Many events encourage families to participate together.
Importance of National River Cleanup Day
This day highlights the critical role rivers play in providing drinking water, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining communities. By removing trash and debris, volunteers help improve water quality and protect habitats for countless species.
Related
- World Cleanup Day
- Earth Day CleanUp
- National Rivers Month