Illinois among nation's worst for public space cleanliness

The state of Illinois is a "worst" state for public space cleanliness (tied seventh with Georgia and Oklahoma) from debris-litter removals and related public/environmental performances, in The 2011 American State Litter Scorecard, presented at the American Society for Public Administration national conference. 

Nearby Kentucky and Indiana were also deemed “worst.” 

Littering, the illegal throwing of man-made trash onto landscapes, breeds pests, diseases and harms wildlife. Each year, more than 800 Americans, including at least 37 across the Land of Lincoln,  die in debris/litter attributed vehicle accidents, said Steve Spacek, Scorecard author.

Illinois suffers from:

--No container deposits nor comprehensive recycling legislation;

--low-grade environmental responsibility reputation of Governor (Quinn);

--below average knowledge of littering and other road laws by licensed drivers statewide;

--above average per person daily waste disposals and high state thoroughfare maintenance disbursement costs.

Spacek hopes the newest results might help Illinois and lawmakers at Springfield make a real difference in the near future, in improving statewide ecological conditions, since public litter prevention and abatement remain mandated functions of American State governance.