Each year, communities across Hampton Roads come together in a transformative effort to improve the environment and neighborhoods and promote sustainability.
One of the most anticipated events in this movement is Clean Gloucester Day, part of the larger Great American Cleanup.
Scheduled for March 28-29, 2025, Clean Gloucester Day is a two-day initiative focused on removing litter, planting greenery, and restoring public spaces across the region.
Volunteers from all walks of life, from local businesses to school groups and families, are invited to participate and make a real difference in their communities.
Clean Gloucester Day is part of the nationwide Great American Cleanup, the largest community improvement program in the United States.
This program, coordinated by Keep America Beautiful, takes place annually in around 20,000 communities across the country.
Its mission is simple: create cleaner, more vibrant spaces by engaging communities in local cleanup efforts.
The results speak for themselves—in 2018 alone, volunteers collected nearly 60 million pounds of litter and recyclables across the country.
In Hampton Roads, Clean Gloucester Day is a key part of this mission, as local volunteers focus on cleaning up roadsides, parks, beaches, and waterways, as well as enhancing public areas with tree plantings, flower gardens, and more.
This year’s event promises to build on the success of past years, where over 259 tons of litter have been cleared from local environments since 2012.
Volunteers can expect to work together to improve the aesthetics and overall environmental health of their communities, helping to restore and preserve green spaces for future generations.
Not to mention the event also emphasizes recycling and reducing waste, giving individuals the chance to clear their homes of unwanted items and make their own contribution to a cleaner environment.
The impact of the Great American Cleanup extends far beyond the day of the event.
Participants are part of a larger movement that collectively returns over $20 million in measurable benefits each year across thousands of communities.
By joining the event, you’ll not only contribute to your local community but also participate in a nationwide movement that improves the quality of life for everyone.
Thankfully, getting involved is easy. Simply sign up to volunteer at one of the planned events or register to receive free supplies and organize your cleanup project.
Volunteers will be paired with local Clean Community Coordinators who will provide guidance and ensure the smooth execution of the event.
In addition to the cleanup efforts, participants can also take part in the #152PickUpChallenge, a nationwide initiative encouraging people to pick up 152 pieces of litter—one for each person in the U.S. If every American joins in, we could eliminate the 50 billion pieces of litter estimated to be scattered across the country.
The Great American Cleanup and Clean Gloucester Day, particularly, show community action’s power.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of something bigger. Mark your calendars for March 28-29, 2025, and join the thousands of volunteers who will come together to improve our region.
Whether you’re a first-timer or it’s far from your first rodeo, there’s a way for you to contribute and make a real difference in the community.
Visit the registration site today to sign up and start planning your participation in the 2025 Great American Cleanup.
Together, we can transform Hampton Roads into an even more beautiful place to live, work, and play.
