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State of Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee

Governor McKee, First Lady Celebrate Earth Day with Community Cleanup in Cranston

Published on Tuesday, April 22, 2025

McKee Administration Highlights Successes of First Lady’s Litter-Free Rhode Island Initiative

CRANSTON, RI — In celebration of Earth Day, Governor Dan McKee and First Lady Susan McKee were joined by Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins and state and local officials for a community cleanup at Cooney playground in Cranston as part of the First Lady’s Litter-Free Rhode Island initiative.

At the event, the Governor also signed a proclamation recognizing April 22 as Earth Day in Rhode Island and encouraging all Rhode Islanders to take the pledge for a litter-free state.

“Small acts can have a big impact, and I encourage all Rhode Islanders not just to take the pledge for a Litter-Free Rhode Island, but to take pride in keeping our communities, beaches, parks, and backyards cleaner for all,” said Governor Dan McKee.

“Earth Day is a time to celebrate the natural beauty of Rhode Island and focus on new ways we can continue to protect and care for it,” said First Lady Susan McKee. “It takes all of us to make a difference, and I’m grateful to our state agencies, cities and towns, volunteers, and community groups who are leading the charge today for a cleaner, greener tomorrow.”

"Keeping our city clean and beautiful is a priority for us all," stated Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins. "The Litter-Free Rhode Island program exemplifies the community spirit we strive to foster in Cranston. By joining forces with the Governor and First Lady, we are not only enhancing our local environment but also promoting a culture of pride and responsibility among our residents. I encourage everyone in Cranston and across Rhode Island to participate in these efforts, ensuring our parks and public spaces remain pristine for future generations."

Litter-Free Rhode Island brings together the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), and the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (RIDMV) to engage Rhode Islanders in keeping our state clean, beautiful, and litter-free.

RIDEM is reminding Rhode Islanders that applications for Litter-Free Rhode Island’s Spring microgrant are open through May 15, 2025, and are available here. Grants up to $500 are available to qualified applicants who host volunteer cleanups or beautification projects. Cleanups and projects must be completed by June 30, 2025. Awards will be given out on a rolling basis and are issued through the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank.

“The Litter Free Rhode Island initiative, led by the Governor and First Lady, is making a huge difference across the State,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “Litter harms wildlife and pollutes our waters and natural spaces. Through our efforts and microgrant program, we are energizing groups across the state to mobilize hundreds of volunteers for community cleanups in every city and town. On Earth Day, we have the opportunity to recognize all the people who are getting out there to enhance the beauty in our environment. Thank you to everyone involved!”

To address the significant amount of litter being found along Rhode Island’s roadsides, RIDOT has launched a public awareness campaign urging motorists to do their part in keeping Rhode Island litter-free.

“The problem with litter is a simple one; people have to stop doing it,” said RIDOT Director Peter Alviti, Jr. “To that end, the Governor and First Lady have undertaken a Herculean task; they want a culture change when it comes to litter. A culture change is a heavy lift, and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation is all in to be a good partner.”

RIDMV is now distributing reusable Litter-Free Rhode Island "litter bags" and playing a litter-free informational video at DMV offices statewide to help spread the program’s message.

“The Division of Motor Vehicles actively supports the Governor’s anti-litter campaign with messages displayed on monitors in its customer service areas, a notice included in its new-driver curriculum, and by distributing reusable litterbags to customers in our offices,” said DMV Administrator Walter “Bud” Craddock. 

New to the program this year is the Litter-Free Rhode Island coloring book, co-authored by the First Lady and members of the Governor’s Young Leaders Advisory Group. The First Lady has been travelling to schools across the state to distribute the coloring books and encourage students to help keep our state clean. 

Litter-Free Rhode Island Facts and Figures:

  • More than one million gallons of litter cleaned off state roads in 2024
  • More than $100,000 in microgrants awarded to 166 community organizations and volunteer groups to support cleanups and beautification projects across the state
  • Approximately 2,000 Litter-Rhode Island coloring books distributed to local schools and community groups to encourage kids to help keep our state beautiful
  • More than 5,000 reusable litter bags distributed through Rhode Island DMV offices to help prevent littering on our roads.