The New Mexico Tourism Department, through its New Mexico Clean & Beautiful program, is challenging all New Mexicans to make a New Year’s Resolution – to do their part to clean up the state through the Governor’s Challenge.

The Governor’s Challenge offers three opportunities for people to make a difference. Prizes will be awarded at a special event at the Governor’s Mansion:

School “Litter-ary” Awards, which are geared toward elementary and middle school students. Students or schools will set up a clean-up event (of their school, neighborhood, park, or community), either individually, as a class or as a school, and then write essays about their experiences. All schools and students are encouraged to participate.

“Talk Trash with the Gov My Space and You Tube” competition, which targets ages 15 to 26. They can write poetry, develop a blog, create a video, or create a “My Space” page, and share with Governor Bill Richardson their ideas for cleaning up the state. Some of the more innovative ideas may be incorporated into future state litter awareness campaigns.

“The Pick-Up Olympics,” which are open to any organization, school, non-profit, neighborhood or family. Simply create a clean-up event, document your results and entered for prizes.

“The first thing people notice when they visit any area is how clean it is,” said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. “A clean state is good not only for tourism, but good for morale and the overall quality of life. We hope every New Mexican does their part, pitch in, and help us keep New Mexico clean and beautiful.”

New Mexico Clean & Beautiful, a program of the New Mexico Tourism Department, was created by the Litter Control and Beautification Act of 1985 and is charged with coordinating statewide litter control and beautification efforts.

New Mexico Clean & Beautiful is also the state affiliate with Keep America Beautiful, Inc.; both programs strive to engage individuals to take greater responsibility for their community environments.