Girl Scouts partner with Nobody Trashes Tennessee on New Patch Program

The following is a news release from Girl Scouts Heart of the South:

MEMPHIS/JACKSON, TN – Feb. 6, 2024  – Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) Nobody Trashes Tennessee litter prevention campaign has expanded its Youth Group patch program to include Girl Scouts Heart of the South. The patch program initially launched in October 2023 with the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee.

“Girl Scout Troops are highly committed to community service projects and environmental education, and we are thrilled to have participation from all three councils representing the entire state of Tennessee participating in our Nobody Trashes Tennessee patch program,” said Brittany Morris, transportation program supervisor, TDOT. “Within the first two months of launching the program in Middle Tennessee, we had approximately 1,000 Girl Scouts earn a Nobody Trashes Tennessee patch. We are excited to have even more participation from Girl Scouts this year and have numerous ways for them to get involved.”

Troops of all ages have multiple ways to earn the patch including participating in litter cleanups in their community, coordinating their own cleanup in their neighborhood or school grounds, or through Girl Scout camp beautification projects. For Girl Scouts ages 12 and older, the Adopt-A-Highway program is an opportunity to earn both a patch and a roadway recognition panel for committing to quarterly pickups. Younger scouts may earn a patch by completing Nobody Trashes Tennessee educational worksheets. Patches are provided by Nobody Trashes Tennessee and do not cost the troop or individual scouts.

This spring, Girl Scout Troops are encouraged to participate in spring cleanup events in their communities, including the Great American Cleanup, which kicks off March 21 and continues through June. Observances including Keep Tennessee Beautiful Month in March and Earth Day on April 22 offer additional opportunities for troops to join existing events or conduct their own community cleanup.

“Girl Scouts’ mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place,” said Venus Chaney, CEO, Girl Scouts Heart of the South. “Girl Scouts Heart of the South is proud to partner with Nobody Trashes Tennessee to encourage girls and give them the opportunity to make their world a better – and cleaner – place throughout the 2024 Girl Scout Cookie season and beyond!”

The new, I am a Clean Cookie! initiative encourages girls to clean up trash while also selling cookies. As Girl Scouts go door to door selling cookies, they may also participate in Nobody Trashes Tennessee by picking up trash in their neighborhood. Girl Scouts participate in this initiative as a troop or with their family, never alone, and must view clean up safety videos before heading out to be a Clean Cookie!

To learn more about the program and to access downloadable educational resources, visit: Girl Scouts Heart of the South Council: https://nobodytrashestennessee.com/girlscoutshs/; Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians Council: https://nobodytrashestennessee.com/girlscoutssa/; Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee: https://nobodytrashestennessee.com/gsmidtn/.

All residents are encouraged to show their support for a litter-free Tennessee. To find a local cleanup event, visit nobodytrashestennessee.com/events.