Take pride in Cullman

By Jewel Hall

April 26, 2008 10:34 pm

— I would like to publically commend the dedication and efforts of Cullman County leaders, department heads and concerned citizens regarding Cullman County road side litter and discarded appliances and furniture. In 2000, I was a county resident and found it totally shocking to see so much litter along our roadways both in Cullman County and Cullman municipalities. My concern was so intense that I began forming a committee of equally concerned citizens to address this very unsightly problem. With a group of concerned citizens and the help of Alabama Department of PALS (People Against A Littered State) we formed the Cullman PALS Chapter, which remains active today.
Though I was titled founder and served as committee president, it was stimulating to see the shared concern from such a large number of Cullman citizens. After visiting active PALS Programs in other Alabama counties and cities we launched a huge county-wide litter pick up and removed tons of litter in our county. Though Kinney Grove Baptist Church was our first "litter pick up group," many others followed. We found it encouraging and refreshing to have 100% accommodations and participation from both city and county sanitation departments. Equally we had great support from the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office and the Cullman City Police Department. The interest and participation of various municipalities, schools, churches, civic organizations, clubs and private individuals was unbelievable. This made a statement that a major number of our citizens shared our concern for our seriously growing litter problem. Researching deeper into litter issues and working closely with our solid waste officer, Mike Burleson, health issues created by litter became a deeper concern. It was unbelievable how much and of what type litter we recovered. In several cases special machinery had to be used in order to lift and dispose of such vast amounts of discarded litter. Many of these materials were seeping into our water table. With water such a vital resource this continues to be a major concern. The materials we discovered from used needles to discarded street drugs only reinforced the necessity to address our out of control litter problem.
The Cullman Times gave PALS excellent media coverage and received the Alabama Governor's Media Award. Needless to say it is discouraging and disgusting to volunteers who work hard to remove massive amounts of litter from road sides and within two hours find new discarded litter. As our group discussed then, this is an issue which must be taught by example and brought fore front at an early age. We have to realize it is a necessity and not an option. It speaks for us to outsiders and visitors from areas where litter issues are addressed and under control. We have made some improvements in our "Just toss it out" citizens but there is much to be done. One of the many reports we heard while organizing sticks deep into my mind. This one account should make a litter statement to all our citizens. A Japanese corporate group was picked up at an airport to scout out an industrial park for industry location. While on their way to the industrial park they observed all the road side litter and were appalled. The report was they asked to be driven back to the airport with out even visiting the industrial park. The amount of roadside litter had spoken for the quality of the community.
Our county and city sanitation departments offer Cullman citizens every opportunity to help clean up and keep our neighborhoods looking neat. It's up to all of the citizens as good Stewarts of our environment, concern for beautification and better quality water to do our part. To outsiders who express concern [as they did recently at a large event] is our need for a better recycle program. These issues affect us in a variety of ways too numerous to mention in a small article. However, as a concerned citizen and founder/president of Cullman County PALS operated now under the direction of Gaynor Saint John. I would encourage each of you to talk about this issue to your family and friends. I would encourage you to get seriously involved because whether you believe it or not it does in some way affect you directly. We each have a part to play. Take a litter bag in your car and teach others to do likewise. Pride in one’s community always pays great dividends. Have a wonderful summer and don't forget to properly dispose of your litter.