The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #46237

Jeffrey D. Ewen, MPH RPH and Adenike Bitto, MD, DrPH, MPH, CHES. ESU, 36 Club CT, Stroudsburg, PA 18360, 570-421-0844, ewen@ptd.net

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to design a low cost instrument and procedure to assess the baseline amount of litter in a selected urban community. Methods. After reviewing the available literature, a baseline litter assessment tool and survey to evaluate the beliefs and behaviors about litter were designed, tested, and implemented. Results. A baseline litter measurement for two downtown Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, communities and the beliefs and behaviors of university students living in these communities were obtained. Results of the two communities are compared and contrasted. Conclusions. For minimum cost, the assessment tool and survey helped to obtain a baseline for litter. These results can aid in the formulation of recommendations for starting an urban community anti-litter program.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation participants will be able to

• Define the word "litter."
• List five harmful effects of littering on the environment.
• Describe three environmental factors that effect littering.
• Identify three social factors that effect littering.
• Describe three procedures for litter measurement.
• Design a low cost litter assessment tool for use in measuring the amount of litter in an urban setting.

Keywords: Environment, Data Collection

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.