Laurens County Volunteers Achieve Record Litter Cleanup

News Summary

In a remarkable display of community diligence, Laurens County has engaged nearly 400 volunteers in 2024, accumulating an impressive cleanup of 106,838 pounds of litter from local areas. These efforts, part of the Keep Laurens County Beautiful initiative, also included recycling 1,500 pounds of aluminum and promoting sustainability through a range of innovative projects. The enthusiasm of volunteers and the collaboration with local organizations have strengthened community ties and raised environmental awareness, setting the stage for a cleaner, greener future in Laurens County.

Laurens County Goes Green: Record Volunteer Efforts for a Cleaner Community

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Laurens County has seen a remarkable surge in volunteer participation in 2024 as part of the Keep Laurens County Beautiful (KLCB) initiatives. With nearly 400 dedicated volunteers stepping up to the plate, this year’s efforts have left a stellar mark on the environment.

A Stunning Weight Loss for Litter

What’s the total amount of litter these amazing volunteers managed to pick up? Get ready for it: approximately 106,838 pounds of litter were removed from roadways and parks across the county! That’s a significant cleanup effort, and it showcases just how much trash we often overlook in our everyday lives.

But the good news doesn’t stop there! The community also recycled a sensational 1,500 pounds of aluminum throughout the year. That’s a considerable boost for the environment, reducing landfill waste and pointing the community toward more sustainable practices.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

The efforts of KLCB have been attributed to a mix of support from committed board members and the contagious enthusiasm of volunteers and various partners. The teamwork approach has empowered initiatives promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Promoting Sustainability with Style

On an exciting note, the organization celebrated ‘No Plastic Day’ by distributing over 500 reusable bags to locals. This excellent initiative was aimed at reducing reliance on single-use plastics and encouraging residents to become messengers of sustainability.

Moreover, KLCB teamed up with Laurens County to create four colorful roll-off container wraps. These eye-catching designs aim to promote recycling efforts and encourage locals to cut down on waste. What a fun way to add flair to recycling!

Visuals that Make a Difference

Additionally, a dedicated trail was created at the Joe R. Adair Outdoor Education Center to engage the community actively in preventing litter, making it accessible for eco-conscious individuals to participate in clean-ups.

Engaging Young Minds

Students from eight local schools joined in on the fun, participating in litter clean-ups and getting valuable educational experiences about environmental stewardship, reinforcing the idea that education is key to a cleaner future.

Art for Awareness

This year also saw the creation of beautiful murals on storm drains across various municipalities, including Laurens, Clinton, and Gray Court. Each mural acts as a vibrant reminder of our connection to the environment, encouraging the community to take pride in their surroundings.

As if that’s not enough, Laurens County proudly welcomed its first Environmental Sculpture titled *”Buckley the Deer,”* displayed on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Loop Trail. This stunning work of art is symbolic of the region’s natural beauty and the community’s commitment to preserving it.

Looking Ahead

Wattsville Area clean-up at 9 a.m. on February 1, and the Lake Greenwood Clean-up at 9 a.m. on March 8. The organization encourages community members to join in, highlighting that *every little effort makes a difference*—especially since water from Greenwood eventually flows into Laurens.

To fine-tune future initiatives, KLCB has launched the Litter Awareness and Behavior Change 2025 survey, accessible online. They invite residents to share their opinions on litter and recycling, fostering a community-driven approach to environmental wellness.

As many locals might not be aware of the available educational resources for students, this survey aims to bridge that gap. Interested individuals can find the survey on KLCB’s Facebook page, with more information also available on their website.