After I recently returned on a 2+ week journey to Australia (more on that later…), I was walking over the Whole Foods… and couldn’t help but notice how beautiful our trashcans were in Philly.

Say whattt?

I’m not crazy. As a part of the Street Department’s UnLitter Us movement, Litter Critter BigBelly trash compactors were designed and painted by artists & students as a part of Mural Arts’ Big Picture Program in part to celebrate Earth Month.  The decorated BigBellies were painted to encourage people to use sustainable trash cans and not litter. This same campaign painted the recycle trucks last year.

These new designs lining South Street showcase creative designs inspired by “litter bugs”.  Artists Ben Woodward & Thom Lessner from the Philadelphia collective space 1026 collaborated with Big Picture (Kids aged 10-14 get mural training & visual arts education) students to design the concept and creations.

Here are some of the creations:

and a painted Mural Arts recycle truck to remind of us of a green goal:

Posted by Julie

Photos courtesy of Phila Streets Department UnLitter Us Campaign

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher