About 30 miles east of Ames stands an ordinary road sign. Hundreds of people pass this sign every day — and many similar signs — without giving them a second thought. In fact, hundreds of people drive on this two-mile stretch of Highway 30 each day without noticing much of their surroundings at all.

However, if one takes a break from their music, their passengers or even just the thoughts in their head, they will notice something significant. Against the bright blue background of this particular highway sign, white letters inform travelers of this: “Litter Removal Courtesy of Eric Holland.”

Holland remembers seeing those signs as a child, amazed that a person’s name could be seen by all who pass it every day. Now, as a current ISU junior majoring in linguistics, having his name on a highway sign is more than just a neat thing to see. It’s a way to better the environment.

“Usually you see college kids doing their own things,” Holland said. “This is a way to show that I am taking things into my own hands”

Holland, who officially adopted his stretch of highway in September, explained that adopting a highway is a free, two-year commitment. Twice a year, he and any volunteer who joins him pledges to walk the length of highway and pick up any scattered litter found along the way. The Department of Transportation provides groups with the vests and bags they need to do the cleaning and then picks the full bags up when the groups are finished, all within a 48-hour notice.

According to the Iowa DOT website, around 1,274 groups are involved in this program every year and, because of their efforts, 32 percent of Iowa’s highways are kept clean.

Not all participants in the Iowa Adopt-a-Highway program are part of a group. Holland has chosen to take on this project as an individual, and he hopes that others will see him as an example and realize the power they hold on their own.

“Each individual can do their part to help the environment,” Holland said. “I want my peers to know that they can have an impact on their community with just their own power and the Internet.”

Through his efforts with the Adopt-a-Highway program, Holland hopes that both Iowans and travelers from other states will drive through and see Iowa as a clean state.

“It is an example,” he said of the program. “It shows that people can work together and keep Iowa clean.”

He said that his participation not only looks good on a resume, but it is also him doing his part in making Iowa a better and greener place for others to live.

“Life is so much better when our environment looks better,” Holland said.

To learn more information about the Iowa Adopt-a-Highway program and to download a brochure, visit the Iowa Department of Transportation website.