LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission (KAB) at Riverview Park in North Little Rock, Ark., on Sept. 6 to announce the kick-off of its annual statewide fall cleanup initiative, the Great Arkansas Cleanup (GAC). The cleanup will begin on Sept. 9 and run through Oct. 31, 2023.
Community leaders and members from across Pulaski County joined the event in which Governor Sanders turned Pulaski County green as the first county to participate in KAB’s 2023 Go Clean Challenge, which challenges all 75 counties to host a cleanup during the campaign and turn their county green.
“Arkansas's economy heavily relies on outdoor recreation, and the natural beauty of our state is a major draw for visitors and residents,” said Governor Sanders. “Keep Arkansas Beautiful continues to do great work to promote and convene statewide efforts to protect our state’s natural resources and livability, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the benefits of Arkansas's incredible outdoor offerings.”
KAB recruits thousands of Arkansans from across the state to participate in the GAC every year. During the campaign, volunteers dedicate their time and effort to enhancing their local communities by removing litter and unwanted waste from public places, roadways, shorelines and parks.
“We thank Governor Sanders and all of the guests who joined us as we announced the kick-off of our 2023 Great Arkansas Cleanup,” said Colbie Jones, director of KAB. “Last year, we set a new precedent where Arkansans representing all 75 counties joined us in our mission to protect our state and its natural resources from litter. As we prepare to begin this cleanup season, we hope more Arkansas residents will take responsibility for their communities and get involved in beautifying and preserving our state.”
In 2022, KAB made history, with all 75 counties registering a cleanup for the first time. In total, 8,724 Arkansans volunteered and collected 298 tons of litter during 275 cleanup events. Volunteers can find and join local cleanups by visiting the calendar of events at http://bit.ly/KABevnt.
Individuals and groups are invited to sign up to organize a local cleanup at https://bit.ly/KABSignUp. Cleanup organizers can use KAB’s print-ready promotional items to help recruit volunteers and learn how to organize a cleanup. Cleanup supplies, including disposable gloves, cotton gloves and fluorescent safety vests, are also available through KAB. Resources are available at http://bit.ly/KABClean.
For more information, visit keeparkansasbeautiful.com/get-involved/cleanups.