Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) has partnered with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (Louisiana Blue) for the 5th annual Love the Boot Week, April 18–26, 2026, reinforcing the message that a cleaner Louisiana leads to healthier communities. As the state’s largest litter removal and beautification initiative, Love the Boot Week also celebrates America’s 250th birthday, encouraging residents to show their patriotism by taking pride in and caring for their communities.
“Louisiana Blue continues to lead by example, recognizing that cleaner communities are healthier, safer, and stronger communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “Our ongoing partnership with Louisiana Blue helps turn awareness into action across our state. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I encourage every Louisianan to take part by picking up 250 pieces of litter. Together, we can make a lasting impact and build a cleaner, greener, and healthier Louisiana for generations to come.”
"We’ve proudly sponsored Love the Boot Week since the beginning in fulfillment of our mission to improve the health and lives of Louisianans. We appreciate this opportunity to raise awareness as we clean up public areas, plant flowers or trees and make our communities better – and healthier,” said Michael Tipton, Louisiana Blue vice president, Community Relations and Foundation president. “Our employees and their families will participate in several cleanup and beautification events around the state during Love the Boot Week, and we hope our fellow Louisianans will sign up and join us!”
There are many ways litter cleanup and beautification efforts improve both environmental and public health:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies environmental conditions as a key social determinant of health. Excess litter diminishes access to safe, enjoyable outdoor spaces, limiting opportunities for physical activity and community engagement.
Litter is hazardous to our health and the health of our environment. Toxic chemicals from plastic pollute our waterways and soil. Birds and marine life become entangled in litter and ingest plastic remnants, which eventually end up in our food supply.
In addition to being ingested by wildlife and polluting the environment, discarded cigarette butts can lead to destructive, life-threatening wildfires.
Debris can clog storm drains, contributing to flooding and creating standing water that fosters mosquito breeding and the spread of diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika.
Larger roadside debris can cause accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
Research finds well-maintained public spaces, like parks, foster social connections and a sense of belonging. A safe and clean environment supports quality of life, economic stability and overall community health.
“When people have clean areas to exercise, spend time outdoors and make connections with their neighbors, it improves their health and quality of life,” said Louisiana Blue Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dee Barfield. “Love the Boot Week is a great way to create those spaces through opportunities to volunteer and enjoy the spring weather. By spending time throwing away trash, gathering recycling, planting trees and flowers, and keeping our shared spaces free of litter and debris, we can create green spaces to enjoy year-round.”
Susan Russell, KLB Executive Director said, “Love the Boot is not just about cleaning up litter, it’s about generating awareness for our state’s litter problem and educating people on how we can all do better. We thank Louisiana Blue for helping to engage the public in these conversations, bringing to light the negative impacts of blight on community health. We must continue to work together to love the boot all year so that our communities can be healthy and our people can thrive.”
During Love the Boot Week, Louisiana Blue will be supporting four cleanup and beautification events in areas where their regional offices are located, including Monroe, Shreveport, Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Their funding will amplify community event organizers’ efforts on the local level. Louisiana Blue employees and their family members will participate in these events to volunteer their time and give back to their communities.
During Love the Boot Week, Louisiana Blue will support cleanup and beautification events in Monroe, Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans—home to its regional offices. Their funding will strengthen local efforts, while employees and their families volunteer their time to make a difference in their communities.
KLB and Louisiana Blue invite all Louisianans to participate in Love the Boot Week. To volunteer or register an event, visit LoveTheBoot.org.
