Celebrate September in These Five Impactful Ways

With the arrival of September so follows National Cleanup Month – a month devoted to inspiring and empowering people to keep their communities clean. Perhaps the most important takeaway from this month-long observation is that we should all carry the spirit of National Cleanup Month through the remaining 11 months of the year. Still, while National Cleanup Month is underway, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful (GC&B) suggests the following ways to celebrate this auspicious occasion closer to home…

1. Register a Project for GC&B’s Great American Cleanup – Representing the nation’s largest annual community improvement program, Great American Cleanup is observed year-round in Gwinnett. Each month, we select at least one applicant to have their cleanup, beautification, recycling, and other projects funded. To learn more about our Litter League, Groom and Bloom, and Dial-A-Dumpster categories, visit our Great American Cleanup program page and sign up today!
2. Adopt-A-Road with Your Neighbors, Church, Group, or Company – Sponsored by Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful and Gwinnett County Department of Transportation, this litter prevention initiative enables citizens to show their pride in Gwinnett and safely reduce the amount of unsightly trash and illegal signage alongside county roadways. Ideal for groups, in exchange for maintaining your adopted section of road for at least 12 months with a minimum of one cleanup per quarter, you will receive recognition for your hard work with the placement of two signs featuring your group’s name along your adopted roadway. View our interactive map and adopt your section of road today!
3. Take Part in a Workshop and Adopt-A-Stream – You and your family, co-workers, group, etc., could serve as official “keepers” of a portion of a creek or stream by periodically monitoring its condition with supplies, training, and certifications in chemical, bacterial and macroinvertebrate testing provided by Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful and the Department of Water Resources. In September, we will host an Adopt-A-Stream Chemical Workshop on Saturday, September 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lilburn City Park. This particular free workshop will focus on testing the Chemical parameters of water quality learning how to test the dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, and conductivity of the water. On October 26, we will host a Bacterial Monitoring Workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. at the same location to teach participants how to test the Bacterial parameters of water quality, specifically testing for E.coli levels in the waterways. Learn more about how to Adopt-A-Stream.
4. Sign On to be a Stormwater Protector – A joint effort of Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful and Gwinnett County’s Department of Water Resources to educate the public about non-point source pollution, our Stormwater Protectors adhere “NO DUMPING… LEADS TO STREAM” medallions on catch basins and distribute educational door hangers to all homes in their subdivision or surrounding area. Non-point source pollution involves the introduction of harmful pollutants such as fertilizers, insecticides, oil, toxic chemicals, and pet waste into our streams and rivers. As an added bonus, households that provide at least 4 hours of volunteer time to the Storm Drain Marking Program are eligible to receive a credit of up to 5% on their stormwater service fees.
5. Observe National Cleanup Day on September 16 – On the third Saturday of September each year, National Cleanup Day was conceived by two hiking buddies who launched Clean Trails – a grassroots nonprofit organization that aims to eliminate waste on all trails on public lands. The inaugural National Cleanup Day was held in 2017 and engaged over 225,000 volunteers. In the years since it is now held in conjunction with World Cleanup Day and has grown to include 180+ countries and millions of volunteers. To get involved, you can either join a registered cleanup, register your own cleanup through the National Cleanup Day website, or simply conduct your own cleanup in the spirit of National Cleanup Day. The theme of National Cleanup Day 2023 is “Good. Clean. Fun.” Consider taking a walk through your neighborhood or a favorite local park on September 16 with a bag to pick up litter along the way. Remember only to remove trash and litter – separate recyclables if possible. Leave behind natural and historical Items, dead animals, and potentially dangerous items such as syringes and other hazardous materials. Bear in mind that you can do this anytime – you don’t need to wait for the NEXT National Cleanup Day to roll around.

According to Clean Trails, study after study shows the highest indicator that someone will pick up litter is if they witness someone else picking up litter. Thank you for setting an excellent example for others to follow by doing your part to keep Gwinnett clean, green, and beautiful! For more eco-friendly tips, volunteer opportunities, recycling events, and inspiration for ways to “go green” at home, work, and school, visit www.GwinnettCB.org. 

KB 8/30/23