"Royal Trash" Outfit a Hit at the Strawberry Festival

The NAPS tent was a hot spot at this year's Strawberry Festival, Saturday, May 25, at St. Stephen's Church in Heathsville.

As part of NAPS' new anti-litter initiatives, member Julie Hendrickson created some royal garb covered with garbage, including a crown topped with a rhinestone encrusted Grand Marnier single (the bottle broke off early in the day – it will be repaired for the next event). The "Duchess of the Ditches" outfit was a hit at the Earth Day Festival in April and is helping demonstrate NAPS' anti-litter motto "Don't Throw it Out...Throw it IN!" Dozens of attendees donned the robe and crown and posed for pictures (see slideshow below).

The NAPS tent featured signage at a trash and recycling can explaining the harm done by roadside trash – it's not only unsightly, but harms wildlife and clogs drainage, making flooding much worse. Other anti-litter messages included a poster of the NAPS 2018 Creek Cleanup, a paper straw dispenser/display, and a "use reusable grocery bags" display. Many visitors to the tent were given a complimentary NAPS reusable grocery bag. The latest NAPS newsletter, Paddler's Guide, Stewardship Guide for Homeowners, Recycling Guide and other items were offered as well.

NAPS is working on several new anti-litter efforts this year as well as its annual Creek Cleanup and spring and fall highway cleanups. If you would like to participate in or help plan these efforts, please email stewardship@NAPSva.org.

(Click/tap any image below to launch slideshow)