Environmental Day
When I heard the theme of this issue’s magazine was “harvest,” it prompted me to think of how much the Clean Campus Program has in common with farming. When schools initially sign up for the program, I envision a fresh field ready to be planted. Next, we sow seeds of education to students throughout the school year with our campus visits, conducting campus cleanups and providing contest opportunities for students.
By the end of the school year, students that are exposed to the Clean Campus Program are just like full-grown wheat in a field. They have grown and matured all year long in their litter-prevention education and are officially better stewards of our beautiful state. The true harvest comes when these students spread the word to family members or simply pick up a piece of litter rather than walking right past it.
This summer, I had the opportunity to speak at the Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ Environmental Day. The students rotated through many stations to learn about everything from local animals to caring for our environment. Many seeds were sown that day with the students, and the harvest should come soon as they join in cleaning up their local Adopt-A-Mile and participate in our contests.
It is our sincere hope that your harvest this year is better than ever! We hope the same for the efforts of the Clean Campus Program as we reach thousands of students this school year to help keep Alabama litter-free!
If a school near you would like to learn more, have them visit www.alpals.org. I am happy to answer any questions at (334) 263-7737 or [email protected]. Alabama PALS programs are free to schools thanks to our state partnerships and corporate sponsors.
Educating Young Leaders on Litter Cleanup
Happy 2024! The fall was a very busy time for the Alabama PALS Clean Campus Program. I visited nearly 20 schools in person, Zoomed with a few more, and had meetings with various other groups around the state to help spread our anti-litter message. I spoke to thousands of students from August to December sharing why we need to all do a little bit each day to keep our beautiful state free from litter.
Two schools I visited this fall were Kinston School in Coffee County and Fairfax Elementary School in Chambers County:
- Kinston School: I met with 200 students in an assembly aimed at teaching them how to be lifelong stewards of our environment. I challenged the students to look out the windows on their way home and really see the litter on the side of the road. I asked them to imagine how all that litter got there and how it may or may not ever get picked up. I suggested they start a habit now of picking up at least one piece of litter every day, because we can all make a big difference when we all do our part!
- Fairfax Elementary School: I met with their student government group. I reminded this group that they are the leaders of the school, and when they are seen doing the “right thing” by picking up litter, the other students will notice. I challenged this group to spread the anti-litter message to their fellow students by not only being an example but also by telling a few friends what all we discussed.
This spring, we hope to visit at least 20 more schools and would love to come to your town! Also, our Poster and Recycled Art Contests will be due in April, and all contest information may be found in our newsletter online at www.alpals.org.
If a school near you would like to schedule a visit or has any other questions, I may be reached at (334) 263-7737 or [email protected]. Alabama PALS programs are free to schools thanks to our state partnerships and corporate sponsors.