Governor Shumlin Encourages Green Up Day & Ski Vermont Hosts Light-Hearted Green Up Contest

Montpelier, Vt. – Gov. Peter Shumlin, Green Up Vermont President Melinda Vieux and Ski Vermont President Parker Riehle today encouraged Vermonters to participate in Vermont’s iconic Green Up Day. 

Gov. Shumlin said Vermont’s annual Green Up Day—Saturday May 7^th — is one of the greatest demonstrations of the state’s longstanding commitment to the environment.

“Each year thousands of Vermonters volunteer to help make our state a cleaner, greener place to live and work,” the Governor said. “I invite every Vermonter who can to find a little time to contribute to this important effort.”

He also noted that Green Up Vermont is a nonprofit organization with 501(c) (3) status, not a state agency. 

“The entire effort relies on the support of local communities, the volunteerism of individuals and the generosity of employers all throughout Vermont,” Gov. Shumlin added. “It’s a wonderful Vermont tradition.”

Green Up Vermont’s mission is to promote the stewardship of Vermont’s natural landscape and waterways and the livability of our communities by involving people in Green Up Day and raising public awareness about the benefits of a litter-free environment.

“Vermont has a lot of traditions to be proud of and our environmental legacy of sharing the goal to keep Vermont a clean, safe, beautiful and welcoming place is certainly one of them,” said Vieux.  “But we must remember, Green Up Day's success depends upon two essential ingredients: one, the combined efforts of individuals and civic groups volunteering to make it all possible; and two, financial support given by the public and private sectors throughout Vermont.  This is truely, a traditional, grassroots effort.”

To learn more about local Green Up Day activities, check your local newspaper; visit greenupvermont.org; or call 800-974-3259.

 ABOUT THE SKI VERMONT GREEN UP DAY CONTEST

Ski Vermont President Parker Riehle said the association of ski areas wanted to enhance the work many of its members, associate members and partners do for Green Up Day by organizing a light-hearted contest that encourages Green Up Day participants to share their stories and their appreciation for Green Up Day.

“Our contest is open to any person, group of people, organization or company that participates in Green Up activities,” Riehle said.

Specifically, Ski Vermont will award prizes for: 

• Team Spirit
• Most Unique Piece of Trash; and
• Best overall  Green Up Day story.

Each category requires either a video or photo submission with a brief written explanation.

Participants will enter to win prizes by posting their photos, videos and/or written explanations on the Ski Vermont Facebook Page or by emailing submissions too info@skivermont.com.  Prizes will be provided by Ski Vermont and Green Up Day partners Cabot Creamery, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Long Trail Brewing Company, Darn Tough Socks and Rossignol. 

“We are really looking forward to the results and have no doubt that it will be a fun way to capture, and increase, the enthusiasm that Vermonters have for Green Up Day,” Riehle added.