 |
 |
Great American Cleanup
Georgia has been holding a statewide cleanup since 1996. In 1999, Georgia merged its efforts with Keep America Beautiful when that organization created the Great American Cleanup. Coordinated by Keep Georgia Beautiful at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the Great American Cleanup is a signature event of KAB. In its first year over two million volunteers across the country participated in the cleanup.
Like Keep Georgia Beautiful's other programs, the Great American Cleanup is organized using a public-private partnership model. The cleanup is a collaborative effort between KAB, local KAB affiliates, state and local governments, civic organizations and corporate partners. Past state-level sponsors include Georgia Power, The Home Depot USA, Inc., The Coca-Cola Company, The Kroger Company and The Georgia Department of Community Affairs. These organizations joined national sponsors such as GLAD, MTD Products, Sherwin Williams, Wrigley, Pepsi and Fort James Corporation. Sponsors provided garbage bags, gloves, posters and other materials to make local programs a success. Several local sponsors also joined the effort providing supplies and volunteers at the community level.
Any litter prevention, beautification, or solid waste minimization activity from mid-March to mid-May can be considered a Great American Cleanup event. However, communities are encouraged to have their events in April, which is Keep Georgia Beautiful Month. Most communities hold litter cleanup events. Some have gone an extra step and found innovative ways to educate the public. During previous cleanups, several communities have held scrap tire or household hazardous waste collection days. Others hold annual essay contests for the local schools. A few have even participated in butterfly releases.
The Great American Cleanup is very popular with local businesses, governments, and volunteers as an opportunity to make concrete differences in Georgia communities. Organizations from all corners of the community participate, mobilizing thousands of volunteers each year. Since 1999, the cleanup has removed almost five million pounds of garbage from Georgia communities, making them safer, healthier and more pleasant places to live.