The Litter and Trash Committee convened recently to celebrate the winners of the 2024 Kipling Clean poster contest, which involved second graders from 20 local schools. The meeting, led by Councillor Chukutis, highlighted the importance of education in addressing litter and cleanliness issues within the city.

Councillor Chukutis emphasized that the initiative, which began on Earth Day, aims to engage young students in discussions about keeping their community clean. Over the past four years, the program has successfully involved 18 public and 2 private schools, with city officials, including members of the city council and the Department of Public Works, participating in discussions with the students.

The second graders provided insightful feedback on cleanliness, surprising officials with their understanding of the challenges the city faces. Councillor Chukutis noted that the students' perspectives could significantly contribute to improving the city's cleanliness, suggesting that if adults followed the lead of these young participants, the city would be much cleaner.

The meeting underscored the collaborative effort between the city council, local schools, and community members to foster a culture of environmental responsibility among the youth, reinforcing the idea that education is a vital tool in tackling litter and trash issues in Lynn.