OUR STORY
National CleanUp Day didn't emerge suddenly like a thunderclap; instead, it originated from a simple realization during hikes in the mountains and along the coastline. Steve Jewett, a passionate outdoorsman, observed litter tarnishing the beauty of his beloved trails. Alongside his hiking companion, Bill Willoughby, they took it upon themselves to clean up the debris – starting with small items like cigarette butts and candy wrappers that could fit in their pockets, then progressing to carrying a bag for larger items.
Their efforts were not without challenges; there were pieces of trash they were reluctant to handle directly. To overcome this, Steve experimented with various tools, eventually settling on barbecue tongs. What began as a practical solution evolved into a playful routine between Steve and Bill, with one spotting the trash and the other swiftly picking it up, accompanied by jovial banter.
Their dedication to preserving nature extended beyond their cleanup efforts; during their hikes, they engaged in discussions about broader societal issues, including environmental degradation. These conversations sparked the idea of motivating others to join in the cause of trail conservation while having fun. Drawing upon their backgrounds in business and marketing, they crafted a comprehensive plan to establish Clean Trails, Inc., a sustainable nonprofit organization.
In 2017, Steve and Bill realized their vision with the launch of National CleanUp Day through Clean Trails. Since then, it has grown into the largest single-day cleanup event in the United States, rallying an impressive two million volunteers. Through strategic partnerships with renowned entities such as World Cleanup Day and Earth Day, both recognized by the United Nations, National CleanUp Day aims to mobilize individuals and corporations alike in a unified mission to restore and preserve our outdoor spaces.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us.
WHO WE ARE
Vision
Promote a national, annual event to clean up the United States.
Mission
Bring together individuals and organizations to encourage a clean outdoors.
Values
We are deeply passionate about the enriching experiences that come from connecting with the great outdoors. There's an inherent quality of life improvement when we immerse ourselves in the beauty and tranquility of nature, as intended by Mother Nature herself.
National CleanUp Day stands as a beacon of global cooperation, part of Clean Trails' comprehensive efforts to combat litter and promote environmental stewardship. Through strategic partnerships with numerous organizations worldwide, Clean Trails, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, fosters a vibrant community dedicated to preserving the pristine state of our outdoor spaces.
Numerous studies affirm that the most potent catalyst for litter clean-up is the simple act of witnessing others engage in the same activity. Peer group norms wield a remarkable influence, often surpassing traditional incentives in fostering behavioral change.
At the heart of our philosophy lies a profound belief in the inherent goodness of humanity. With just a nudge of encouragement or a modest incentive, individuals are empowered to make a positive impact. By instilling a culture of responsibility and care for our cherished outdoor environments, we envision a future where these spaces thrive autonomously, remaining clean, and endlessly enjoyable for all who seek solace and adventure amidst nature's beauty.
National CleanUp Day / Clean Trails is committed to expanding our work and partnerships with communities disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution
Communities of color, indigenous communities, and low-income communities have historically and currently shoulder a greater burden of environmental impacts. Representing these disproportionately impacted communities is a critical priority of our advocacy and communications efforts.
Promoting diversity both within and beyond National CleanUp Day with our volunteers and partners we work with, is critical to our success. Working with environmental partners globally to tackle systemic inequities is one of our ongoing priorities.