It has been raining a lot here lately, and I believe more is to come. When the rain falls to the ground, a lot of it goes into oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams. If the rain picks up litter along the way, then that litter eventually leads to our water. Some rain will go into the ground, but the majority of it flows to the waterways. That is why it is crucial to have cleanups to keep our oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, and communities clean, green, and beautiful.

Keep Liberty Beautiful is ready to do our part. We are getting ready for our spring cleanup period as part of the national Great American Cleanup effort.

Liberty County Adopt Liberty groups are already signing up to make a difference. Our local cities and the county are picking their dates and locations too. We cannot wait for more volunteers in the next few weeks to join in. If you have not scheduled to volunteer yet, I urge you to consider how you can make a positive difference for our community in a few hours on a Saturday morning.

Litter can be harmful to our environment, and it can cause severe health and safety issues too. It also affects how prospective businesses and other visitors to our community view our county. I hope you will consider getting involved in our volunteer cleanups this spring because your presence can make a significant difference. Not only do these cleanups help to get up the actual trash people have left on the road, but it also reminds your neighbors, that we all need and want cleaner streets in the community.

You can get involved by joining us at our Countywide Cleanup on Saturday, April 17, 2021.

You can register online at https://bit.ly/KLBGAC2021!

We stress that volunteers wear a mask and social distance. This year we want to honor each group that brings volunteers to participate, so register now.

All pre-registered volunteers will receive an official KLB Cleanup T-Shirt. All cleanup supplies are provided by Keep Liberty Beautiful.

While we are preparing for our Countywide cleanup, here are some tips for stopping the litter that each of us can use daily: Set an example by NOT littering. Carry a litter bag in your car and hang on to litter until you find a garbage receptacle. Parents: set an example for your children and Children: please set an example for your parents.

Pick up one piece of litter every day. Mainly pick up trash around storm drain sewers. Anything going in these goes directly to our waterways.

Make sure your trash cans have good-fitting lids so litter cannot fall or blow out.

If you transport garbage or recyclable items to area convenience centers for disposal, make sure that your bags and containers are secure in your vehicle. Over half of our local litter problem is caused by litter from unsecured loads. Ask your neighbors to join you in cleaning up one area in your community where debris accumulates.

‘Adopting’ that area can reduce the amount of litter because people do litter less in sites maintained and appear to be ‘adopted’ by people who care.

Plan now to make a difference where you live, work, and play.

All organizations, churches, businesses, families, neighborhoods, and civic clubs are encouraged to register now to participate for GAC on April 17, 2021, Countywide Cleanup! Contact us at (912) 880-4888 or klcb@libertycountyga. com or www. keeplibertybeautiful.org for more information!