“After the Celebrations”
This summer has been an extraordinary time for the United States of America! Not only have we celebrated 250 years of our great nation, but we have also hosted millions of visitors from around the world for World Cup matches. Community pride and cleanups were on full display leading up to these monumental events, and we saw visitors on social media singing the praises of American hospitality and natural beauty. Alabama was even fortunate enough to host a pre-World Cup match in Auburn, bringing thousands of first-time visitors to Alabama, which garnered worldwide attention and praise.
So, now that these events are over, what comes next?
As important as the cleaning and planning was prior to these events, what happens afterward is equally consequential. The visitors have gone home, the roar of the crowds has died down, and all that is left of the fireworks shows are scattered remnants of plastic and cardboard. Just as we would cleanup after hosting guests in our own homes, it is time to tidy up once again in the aftermath and ask ourselves what can be done “after the celebrations.”
Let’s take our renewed sense of community pride and turn it into action. Encourage local businesses and groups to adopt miles in your area. Talk with local schools about becoming a member of our Clean Campus Program to encourage litter pickup and prevention. You can also mark your calendar to participate in the annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup which will be held on September 19th this year.
Of course, PALS’ volunteers have long been committed to keeping our communities clean, regardless of what is happening in the world around us. For that, we are beyond grateful. PALS’ volunteers, corporate sponsors, board members, state agency partners, and members are all instrumental in keeping our state clean before, during, and after events, games, celebrations, parades, and even during everyday activities.
The numbers for this year’s “Don’t Drop it on Alabama” Spring Cleanup are still rolling in, but groups have already reported over 400 tons of litter picked up. That is a true testament to the power of everyone doing their part! On pages 12-17 of the newsletter, you’ll see the faces of this year’s Spring Cleanup effort as well as our first ever Sponsor Spotlight featuring Coca-Cola United. We are thankful for their Title Sponsorship once again this year.
As this historic summer comes to a close, let’s reflect on how fortunate we are to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. We are proud to call this beautiful state home, and as visitors from around the world recently discovered, Alabama’s true beauty shines through its people.
– Jamie Mitchell