Campaign to Clean Up Broad River Corridor Goes Beyond Litter Control
June 1, 2015
By Latoisha Green
When it comes to litter, one person’s trash is everybody’s problem.
From cigarette butts to a soda cans, trash along our streets and sidewalks is not only unsightly – it’s also costly. According to Palmetto Pride, litter has an effect on the environment and the economy. On top of that, neither families nor businesses want to move to an area perceived as trashy. That’s why the Richland County Neighborhood Planning Department is working to raise awareness about litter and get residents involved in keeping their communities litter-free.
This spring, the Planning Department’s Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP), kicked off the “Clean Up the Corridor Campaign,” a beautification initiative along one of the County’s busiest stretches – Broad River Road. Dozens of residents, including Richland County Councilwoman Joyce Dickerson, who represents the area, pulled on gloves and comfortable shoes to gather trash along the Broad River Road Corridor from Greystone Boulevard to St. Andrews Road.
When NIP received a Community Pride Grant from Palmetto Pride to implement a beautification program, we decided to target the Broad River Road area because of its position as a major commercial thoroughfare that serves many businesses, residents and thousands of people traveling by foot, bicycle and motor vehicles. Additionally, NIP thought the Broad River Road Corridor could benefit from a beautification effort that would assist in the revitalization of the area as outlined in the Corridor’s Master Plan – a detailed study with recommendations and design principles related to residential neighborhoods and the commercial components in the area.
Palmetto Pride, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is committed to reducing litter and encouraging beautification efforts in South Carolina. Created through a South Carolina legislative initiative, Palmetto Pride forms partnerships with private and public entities to bring about litter reduction and awareness in communities in an effort to bring about change in the public’s attitude about these issues. Richland County is proud to be a part of Palmetto Pride’s outreach and anticipates the cleanup efforts taking place along the Broad River Corridor will have positive and lasting effects. Cleanup campaigns are beneficial to communities in various ways. They encourage community participation from residents and businesses and create an opportunity for residents to discuss important neighborhood concerns that can increase the overall quality of life for everyone in the community.
The “Clean Up the Corridor Campaign” involves a series of organized cleanup days lead by neighborhood leaders with aid from Richland County staff and local litter control officers; instillation of strategically placed recycling bins, waste receptacles and educational signage at bus stops; and forums to educate the community about the importance of recycling and litter reduction while discussing other area concerns. The cleanup days also provide volunteer opportunities for the businesses, residents and schools in the area. Studies show such activities help communities feel safer and united when everyone bands together to volunteer.
Two community cleanup days were held in March and May, with two more scheduled in September and December. The March and May cleanup events occurred during the Great American Cleanup of South Carolina, an annual statewide initiative from March 1 through May 31. The Great American Cleanup is sponsored by Keep America Beautiful, Inc. and is the nation’s largest cleanup event.
If you missed the March and May events, please join us 10 a.m. Sept. 12 and Dec. 5. We’ll gather at Richland Library St. Andrews on Broad River Road before hitting the pavement. The Saturday morning events involve picking up trash and cleaning sidewalks – and offer a great opportunity to get to know other community members ready to “Clean Up the Corridor!”
Latoisha Green, a Richland County Neighborhood Planner, can be reached at [email protected]or 803-576-1340.
