ST. LOUIS – Today, April 22, marks Earth Day, and locals are making an effort to clean up downtown St. Louis.

This cleanup initiative is part of the “Tourism Trash Force” from Explore St. Louis, with many businesses also participating in the cause.

Volunteers worked for hours across downtown, preparing for the summer season.

Explore St. Louis noted that various companies will be taking their conventions to St. Louis, further bringing tourism to the area. The “Tourism Trash Force” initiative highlights the organization’s commitment to maintaining a welcoming environment for tourists.

“We, at Explore St. Louis, have a lot of pride in our destination,” said Karen Meirink, director of Visitor and Volunteer Services at Explore St. Louis. “We want to share that with visitors, and we want to bring together the tourism community.”

As St. Louis prepares to welcome more tourists and conventions, the cleanup initiative serves the city’s commitment to the environment and community engagement.