Keep Tahoe Blue Earth Day volunteers gather 750 pounds of trash and 6000 cigarette butts

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Over 60 people volunteered at the 5th annual South Lake Tahoe Earth Day Cleanup on Monday, April 23. They removed 750 pounds of trash which equals to 1,047 gallons of littler, as well as over 6,000 cigarette butts in just three hours.

As the warmer weather continues to melt snow, trash is being exposed. Not only is this an unsightly mess it can also be a hazard to wildlife and the lake's clarity.

“We continued to be amazed at the amount of trash found in and around Lake Tahoe,” said Marilee Movius, the League’s community engagement manager. “Cleanups like these are critical to ensuring our lake remains a beautiful place for us all to enjoy. We thank all of our partners and volunteers that joined together to be part of the solution.”

This year’s cleanup was made possible because of the engagement of League volunteers and partner organizations including Azul Latin Kitchen, Base Camp Pizza Co., California Burger Co., Heavenly Lake Tahoe, Marriott Grand Residence, Marriott Timber Lodge, Patagonia at Heavenly, Social House, South Tahoe Refuse, and Ten Crows BBQ.

“Cleanups are only part of the solution. Ultimately if we want to protect our lake, then we need to reduce the amount of trash being put into our environment,” said Jesse Patterson, the League chief strategy officer. “For that reason, we ask that everyone pack out their trash or dispose of it properly.”