Fight litter, preserve environment, boost civic pride

For the 37 million tourists who visit San Antonio each year, the Alamo is one highlight of this historic town. The River Walk is another beautiful public space that draws visitors year after year.

For San Antonio residents, the city’s iconic spaces and vibrant neighborhoods are a source of pride. But a well-loved city, unfortunately, can become cluttered with improperly discarded items, which show up as litter on streets, in the river and in parks.

To keep our communities clean and free from litter takes effort from all. The fight against litter is not just about aesthetics; it’s about preserving the environment, fostering civic pride, and creating a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

Earlier this month, the Yuengling Company and Keep Texas Beautiful, a nonprofit I oversee, hosted a community beautification event on Texas Independence Day at Rosedale Park in San Antonio.

Hundreds of people picked up trash, mulched and repainted shared spaces to keep the surrounding area safe and clean for all to enjoy. Participants filled 100 bags of trash, weighing in at almost 500 pounds.

San Antonio residents don’t have to wait for a special event to do their part.

Here’s how you can contribute:

Take initiative. Everyone deserves a clean and beautiful place to call home. Being mindful of how to discard items is the first step toward change. Communities can invest in educational programs that help residents understand how to properly dispose of waste, how to recycle, the environmental impact of litter and the significance of community aesthetics. Individuals can learn more about San Antonio’s solid waste management policy, including recycling options, and dispose of items mindfully.

Participate in cleanup events.

A hands-on approach to combating litter involves organizing regular community cleanup events. These initiatives address litter, foster community and can be a great family activity. By working together to clean public spaces, individuals become invested in maintaining a litter-free environment. And research shows people are less likely to litter where there is no other visible litter.

Understand your recycling options.

San Antonio has made significant investments in efficient waste-management infrastructure, including recycling facilities and resident education. We encourage you to review the information about San Antonio’s program to help you feel confident about what goes in your blue curbside container.

Encourage community engagement.

A sense of ownership fosters a commitment to cleanliness. Encourage community members, including schools, businesses and your neighbors, to actively participate in keeping public spaces clean. The more people feel connected to their surroundings, the more likely they are to take responsibility for maintaining them. Join a cleanup event sponsored by Keep San Antonio Beautiful, one of hundreds of Keep Texas Beautiful affiliates around the state that are powered by community volunteers.

Lead by example. Demonstrating a commitment to cleanliness through personal actions sends a powerful message to others. Whether it’s properly disposing of waste, participating in cleanup events or promoting sustainable practices, leading by example can inspire positive change.

Achieving a clean and litterfree community requires a collaborative effort from every resident. Let’s work together to help our communities thrive as clean, vibrant and sustainable places.