Dude!

Did you know a banana peel tossed on the ground can take up to two years to turn into compost?

It takes all of us working together to keep Jacksonville clean and green. Here's some stuff you can do to be totally cool.

Set an example for others by NOT littering.

Carry a litterbag in the car.

Make sure trashcans have lids that can be securely fastened.

Tie papers in a bundle before placing them in a curbside recycling bin.

If you or a member of your family is involved in a civic group, scouting, or recreational sports program, encourage the group to 'adopt' a spot in your town or neighborhood and maintain it on a regular basis.

Report areas where people have illegally dumped garbage and debris to your local highway, public works, sanitation or conservation office, and ask that the material be removed. Volunteer to help organize a cleanup of the area.

Ask the organizers of a festival, fair or other outdoor event in your community to make it a 'litter-free' event. This can be done by giving out litterbags at entrances and making sure that everyone who attends knows that it is a 'litter-free' day.

Cover open loads on all trucks.

Ask marina operators if your civic group can pass out litterbags to boaters. Public boat ramps also are good spots to give away litterbags.

Encourage smokers to use ash or ash/trash receptacles and to carry a pocket ashtray or a portable ashtray.

Cool Tips Courtesy Keep America Beautiful, Inc.