Tossed water bottles, abandoned plastic shopping bags and crushed cigarette butts quickly add up to pounds of trash littering the landscape. This year, on the weekend of Earth Day, Branford residents can show they care by taking part in "Rid Litter Day" on Sat. April 21 to help clean up and beautify Branford's great outdoors.

The annual ode to Earth Day/spring clean-up relies on residents teaming up with the Town of Branford and Branford Land Trust to comb litter from designated spots around town. Coming out to join the annual litter pick-up around town is the perfect volunteer option for many busy residents who'd like to get involved in their community. Families, friends, groups, and individuals are welcome.

To get involved, check in at the town green beginning at 9 a.m. on Sat. April 21.  Trash bags and gloves will be distributed to volunteers together with an assigned clean-up location; which may be a walk or a drive away. Everyone is asked to bring the litter they collect back to the green by noon.

All of the trash retrieved from Branford's roadsides and other spaces will be thrown into a Dumpster on the green to show how even the least amount of litter can add up to truly "trash" an environment.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes (boots recommended) and clothes. Wear Branford colors (red and black) or a school shirt to show Branford pride.