Here's why we need your support: Without financial as well as volunteer support, Vermont's Green Up tradition could face its place in past history.

Do you know that "the state" does not do Green Up? By "the state" we mean Vermont's state government. Understandably, most people still think the state does Green Up because Vermont's Governor Deane Davis launched it in 1970. However, in 1979 Governor Snelling declared that Green Up was so successful it should "go out on its own." Thus, caring folks created a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization - Vermont Green Up, Inc. Today our small non-profit organization continues, "doing business" as Green Up Vermont.

The state does support Green Up by an annual appropriation. This now comes through the Agency of Natural Resources in the form of a grant. In the last couple of years the amount increased from its average of $8,000 (for the past years) to $10,500. In addition, the state also provides funds for Green Up office space in state space. These funds, currently help cover about 14 percent of Green Up's budget, are not based on the amount of the Green Up budget.

Towns also support the Green Up effort. As with the state, the amount is not determined by our budget. And, there is no guarantee of the amount given each year. Each year we write to ask towns to support Green Up by contributing funds, with the amount requested based on population. We request towns with less than 1,000 population to give $50. For over 1,000 and under 2,000 — $100; 2,000 and under 3,000 — $150; under 3,000 and under 4,000 — $200; over 4,000 — $300. Recent years contributions help cover about 14 percent of our budget. The amount we request now is the same as we requested in 1990.

We applaud funding assistance from solid waste districts. Chittenden County Solid Waste Management District, recognizing the importance of the Green Up effort, covers our requested contribution for all its member towns. As well, Lamoille County Solid Waste Management District covers contributions for many of its member towns.

We thank individuals and businesses responding to our annual December appeal letter. Their support adds around three thousand dollars to help cover costs of Green Up Day. If you would like to be included, please let us know. To donate to Green Up Vermont, use the Paypal button above, or send check/money order to: Green Up Vermont, P.O. Box 1191, Montpelier, VT 05601-1191.

We express enormous gratitude to our corporate Partners, who since the year 2000 make high profile promotion of Green Up Day participation possible as well as ensuring coverage of essential operational costs.

Why is money needed for Green Up Day? Prior to the year 2000, we depended upon public service announcements on radio (nothing on television) and articles and calendar listings in print media to promote participation in Green Up Day. In the mid '90's, town coordinators reported to Green Up they saw a need for "more publicity." Now we purchase promotions. Now coordinators consistently say their Green Up Day seems to grow more each year and Green Up is getting bigger and bigger.

What made purchasing promotion possible? Significant financial support from corporate "Partners," starting in 2000.

What is the cost of the green Green Up trash bags we distribute each year? Close to $10,000. The cost and the number of bags has continually risen over the years. In 1996 we distributed 25,000 bags costing $4,000. We now distribute over 40,000 bags.

Careful use of resources keeps our costs conservative. Funds cover services of two part-time employees; trash bags, car litterbags, posters, t-shirts, stickers, advertising on radio and TV and in print media, postage and supplies for mailings to over 300 town coordinators and co-coordinators, dinners for student contest winners at Green Up's Annual Awards Banquet, basic office equipment and supplies and operational costs.

Ten years ago, town coordinators remarked: "You don't hear much about Green Up Day any more," and indicated they would like to "feel more like part of a greater whole." Today, coordinators convey clamor for more bags and gratitude for support from the "center" of Green Up, for Vermont.

Please join with the forces. Send your support. One way or another, "team up with Green Up!" Donate, volunteer to clean up, encourage businesses known to you to donate and to encourage their employees to take part and to "Live the Green Up Way Every Day" - clean up your premises and teach children pride and respect.

We are very grateful to our partner sponsors, to our individual and business donors and to the state and towns for their generous support.