The Town of Abita Springs may be small, but its spirit of environmental stewardship is mighty, thanks to the local organization Keep Abita Beautiful. Since its establishment in 2018, this group has garnered significant recognition for its dedication to litter prevention and community betterment, earning awards, grants, and praise for its innovative programs aimed at creating positive change in their town, state, and beyond.
Recently, Keep Abita Beautiful was one of twelve organizations in Louisiana to receive a Healthy Communities Grant from Keep Louisiana Beautiful. The $7,912 grant is funding several impactful initiatives to address litter and promote sustainable waste management. Sandra Slifer, the nonprofit's president, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing its role in fostering environmental responsibility and community engagement.
The grant is supporting multiple projects, including the design and construction of permanent anti-littering signs, sponsorship of two glass recycling events, and the purchase of new recycling cans marked with clear decals for proper waste sorting. Additionally, signage for three key programs of Keep Abita Beautiful is being developed to further their mission of environmental education.
The benefits of these efforts were already evident during the Abita Fall Fest on October 11 and 12. Volunteers from Keep Abita Beautiful utilized the new recycling cans to collect and recycle approximately 30 cubic yards of waste, demonstrating the tangible impact of their work in real-time.
Educational programs are a cornerstone of Keep Abita Beautiful's mission. Their "Recycle What?!" initiative simplifies recycling for the community by clarifying which items can be recycled, reducing confusion and encouraging participation. From cleaning supplies to personal care items, residents are guided to save these items for designated recycling days instead of discarding them as trash.
The organization's Better Choices Initiative highlights waste reduction strategies shared by locals, inspiring others to adopt similar practices. For instance, they encourage using reusable containers for leftovers at restaurants, showcasing simple but effective ways to minimize waste.
Puppets with Purpose is another standout project. Originally created by Keep Mandeville Beautiful, this program continues to thrive in Abita Springs. Through engaging puppet shows featuring original scripts and songs, young audiences learn about the importance of litter prevention and recycling. These performances, held at schools, farmers markets, and other venues, make environmental education entertaining and accessible for all ages.
Keep Abita Beautiful's commitment to fostering a cleaner, greener community is a testament to the power of grassroots efforts. By combining education, innovation, and volunteerism, they demonstrate that small towns can lead the way in making a big environmental impact.
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