New Jersey Clean Communities Council Recognizes Angela Brooks-Pittman with Environmental Quality Award

Angela Brooks-Pittman has been awarded the “Environmental Quality” Award by the New Jersey Clean Communities Council (NJCCC) for helping coordinate a massive effort to collect discarded water bottles in Atlantic City.

Her efforts made it possible for the NJCCC to create the state’s “Beach Bird” art, which is now on display at Boardwalk Hall. (You can read all about it at njbeachbird.org.)

Brooks-Pittman serves as a court typist for the Atlantic City’s Department of Public Works as well as the city’s Clean Communities coordinator. She collected approximately 5,000 plastic water bottles from the streets of Atlantic City, which were then used to create the Beach Bird. Along with her individual clean up, Brooks-Pittman inspired the Atlantic City public schools to collect plastic water bottles, leading to over 20,000 water bottles collected.

"That's a lot of water bottles, but it immediately spurred us into action by engaging the city's public schools," Brooks-Pittman said. "You start with the children, get them excited, and then they take it home to the parents and now they're doing it. That's how you get this work done and change the culture.”

“Angela has been a terrific asset to the Clean Communities team for years, and continues to inspire and educate the youth about the positive impact of recycling in Atlantic City,” said NJCCC Executive Director Sandy Huber. “We are proud of the work she has accomplished.”

NJCCC is a comprehensive, statewide litter-abatement program that has served New Jersey residents and visitors for more than 25 years. Learn more at njclean.org.

*Pittman also won the Exemplary Service Award for the collected 5,000 plastic water bottles

Photo Caption: Atlantic City Communities Coordinator Angela Brooks-Pittman (left), accepts the “Exemplary Service” award from NJCCC President Patrick Ryan (right).