U.S. #2954
32¢ Beach Clean-up
Kids Care About the Environment
Issue Date: April 20, 1995
City: Washington, DC
Quantity: 50,000,000
Printed By: Ashton-Potter (USA) Ltd
Printing Method: Lithographed
Perforations: 11.1 x 11
Color: Multicolored
Environmental pollution is one of the most serious problems we face today. In the last 100 years population and industry have grown at a phenomenal rate, and 20th- century inventions, such as the automobile, have caused pollution to become a serious threat to life on earth.
Although the damage caused by pollution in some areas is irreversible, in many cases the prevention of pollution would enable us to maintain and even renew diminishing resources. Today federal, state, and local governments across the globe are working to control pollution. Environmental groups formed by private citizens are responsible for much of the action taken by government and industry. In addition to calling attention to problems, they also encourage public officials to take necessary action. Their efforts have resulted in many steps being taken, including recycling, improved technological advancements, and restrictions.
In an effort to raise public awareness of environmental issues, the Postal Service produced this set of stamps. Teaming up with McDonalds, they sponsored a stamp design contest for children ages 8-13. The children were asked to show ways to protect, preserve, or restore the environment. More than 150,000 entries were received from which the four winning designs were chosen.