We’re Thankful for YOU!

It’s the time of year to reflect on what we’re thankful for, and our answer is YOU!

Even as the craziness of Covid continued in 2021, we are inspired by what you have accomplished!

Our network of local Keep America Beautiful Affiliates have been busy all year.  Naturally Newport News created a “Big Butts” campaign to try to educate people that flicking a seemingly small cigarette butt IS littering.

Volunteers for one of our 2021 Green Grant awards, Dahlgren Heritage Trails, installed a wooden walkway that is 80′ long so that people with wheelchairs, walkers or other needs can enjoy the beauty of nature.

Another Green Grant Award went to  Jack and Jill of America, Norfolk Chapter.  They hosted a Recycles Day at Tidewater Park Elementary School that included collected paper to be shredded from area residents and the school, along with ice cream and a DJ!  Through this project, Chapter teens learned how paper shredding supports recycling, fire prevention and identity protection.

In February, people walked a 2,021-mile virtual path around the Commonwealth, picking up over two thousand bags of litter during our first ever Shiver in Virginia event.  We gave away prizes, and Cleanup Kits that hopefully will be used to continue the efforts in the future.

And all through the month of October, people took part in our month-long statewide cleanup campaign, partnering with VDOT’s “Virginia is for Lovers, Not Litter” beautification campaign.  Individuals, groups, and businesses came out to show their commitment to keep Virginia litter free!  The events were so successful that we plan to continue this campaign every year.

We know you’re out there, doing good things, and we appreciate the impact you’ve made!  YOU can make a difference by doing little things every day, like picking up litter, recycling in your home and workplace, and carrying around a refillable bottle!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!