Keeping It Beautiful

Even though we can't change the economy overnight, it does help our morale to improve our surroundings. A little effort, and contribution to the common good, is valuable to our land and our people. It also gives us a great feeling, to achieve something that is good.

So it is a pleasure to join in Keep America Beautiful's annual Great American Cleanup. The activity is going on through through May 31. The project's goals are litter prevention, waste reduction and recycling, and beautification of our country.

The Great America Cleanup is assisted by local affiliate groups. Here, we have 33 North Carolina and 24 South Carolina Affiliates that are part of the clean up. The Keep America Beautiful site says activities include "beautifying parks and recreation areas, cleaning seashores and waterways, handling recycling collections, picking up litter, planting trees and flowers, and conducting educational programs and litter-free events."

The Mecklenburg County team worked with the Carolina Panthers during the home games of the 2009/2010 football season. They helped tail-gating fans to recycle more than 30 tons of bottles and cans. Check to see what is going on in your area, and see what you can do to help. If you see something else that needs to be done, you can also start an affiliate group. Together, we can do a lot.