Governor Announces the Name of Georgia's Anti-Litter Mascot

Mascot name selected from more than 7,000 entries

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue, surrounded by an energetic group of school children from across Georgia, announced the official name of the Litter. It Costs You mascot from the State Capitol today. "The Brown Trasher," designed in the likeness of Georgia's state bird – the brown thrasher – was first unveiled when the statewide anti-litter campaign was launched last August.  At that time, a contest was announced to encourage children to submit names for the mascot. Out of the thousands of entries received, one name stood out above the rest:  Buster!

"Many of us remember the environmental lessons learned from Woodsy the Owl and Smokey the Bear," said Governor Sonny Perdue.  "I hope that Buster the Brown Trasher will help our state's children learn that littering is not an acceptable behavior and that they can help to clean up Georgia by getting involved in their community."

The children on hand this morning were part of a group of 24 children, grades K-5, who submitted "Buster" as their official entry. In addition to participating in today's naming ceremony, each child received a certificate from the Governor and a copy of the book The Wartville Wizard by Don Madden, which tells the story of one man's unique approach to tackling litter in his community.  The children will also be featured on the Litter. It Costs You Web site.

"Buster is one of the primary components of the educational part of the state's anti-litter campaign," said Beth Brown, Director of Communications for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. "His appearance at schools and community events are great ways to start getting Georgia's youth involved in the fight against litter."

Schools, community organizations and other groups can reserve Buster the Brown Trasher for in-school appearances, parades, meet-and-greets and community events.  To reserve Buster, fill out a reservation form at litteritcostsyou.org or call Roxi Konnick at the Department of Community Affairs at (404) 679-1580. Buster is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so please get your request in early. Lesson plans, activities and games featuring Buster are also available online at litteritcostsyou.org.

About Litter. It Costs You.

The State of Georgia launched the Litter. It Costs You campaign in August 2006. An integrated and comprehensive approach to stopping litter, the campaign encompasses education, eradication and enforcement. The campaign leverages the efforts of state agencies, city and county governments, and volunteer organizations to engage the public and effect change. Resources include an interactive and comprehensive Web site, community challenges for adults and youth, an online toolkit and an education component to reach children. For more information, please visit litteritcostsyou.org.