Because the 2008 Litter Survey shows Nova Scotians are littering 21% more than they did in 2004.

But I don't litter – it's not my fault.
Littering is one activity that's completely under your personal control: it's an environmental problem we can solve. If each and every Nova Scotian pledges to never, ever litter, and really follows through on that promise, then litter stops being a problem.

Whether or not you litter, please take the Best Thing You'll Never Do pledge and invite your friends and family to take it, too. And know that, from this day forward, you are actively helping to make Nova Scotia more beautiful, healthy and livable.

I don't really think litter is such a big deal.
It is a big deal: it adds up in so many ways. Besides looking awful, litter can cause serious public health hazards. Discarded cups full of rainwater make perfect breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes. Rats, insect infestations and bacteria all love litter. Litter clogs storm drains and causes serious flooding. Litter hurts people, communities, animals, tourism and the environment. We can't keep littering like this.

Why doesn't somebody just clean it up?
We all live, work and play here; so it's everybody's equal responsibility to keep Nova Scotia clean. The best way to do that is by not littering in the first place. It's the easiest and best thing you'll never do to help the environment. That said, there are many dedicated organizations, individuals and volunteers who are working hard to reduce litter, including:

Government of Nova Scotia
RRFB Nova Scotia
Municipalities
Adopt-a-Highway
Clean Nova Scotia
Businesses
Schools
Youth groups

And you. Start your own litter clean-up, or get involved in one near you.

What can I do?
Never litter. It's that simple. Take the Best Thing You'll Never Do pledge, and get friends and family to take it, too. Put your trash where it belongs: in compost bins, recycle bins, and trash cans. Hold on to your trash till you can discard it properly. Contact a Waste Reduction Educator in your area.

Never litter. No excuses, and we all win.