It's time for the Great American Cleanup in Ouachita Parish

For many, the beginning of March seems marks the unofficial start of the spring season.

For Ouachita Green and its partners, March 1 begins a three-month period known as the Great American Cleanup.

During the Great American Cleanup, volunteers are called to action to clean all areas of Ouachita Parish.  A parish wide cleanup will be held on Saturday, March 19.  Various staging sites will be established around the parish allowing volunteers to register and providing them with cleanup supplies.

The community cleanup provides the public an opportunity to play an active role in the beautification of our parish.  The appearance of our community is the first impression many investors and developers have of this area. The presence of litter is an indicator of more significant problems such as crime, neglect and a community that cares.

In an effort to combat litter and empower local residents, Ouachita Green has established a new litter hotline that is available day and night and on weekends. The Litter Hotline number is 318-460-0LTR (Zero Litter).  Residents are encouraged to use this number when they see littering or illegal dumpsites.  

Ouachita Green encourages the public to take action this spring against litter and help be an "everyday hero" when it comes to keeping our home clean and litter free.

To learn more about the Great American Cleanup or any program hosted by Ouachita Green, visit www.ouachitagreen.org.

https://youtu.be/wTEMnDLwhpM

Parish-wide cleanup set for March 28

Across the country, the spring season is know as the time for the "Great American Cleanup," where residents, business leaders and civic groups come together to clean their individual communities.

The Great American Cleanup will be observed locally in Ouachita Parish on Saturday, March 28. The cleanup is hosted by Ouachita Green, a non-profit organization made up of three Keep Louisiana Beautiful affiliates - Keep Monroe, Keep West Monroe and Keep Ouachita Parish Beautiful.

Members of the community are asked to put teams together to clean a portion of Ouachita Parish this Saturday. Whether it's a park, neighborhood, playground or roadway, your efforts can make a difference in improving the appearance of our community.

Did you know the state of Louisiana spends nearly $40 million a year picking up trash? Just think how much money we could save if we took individual responsibility for picking up litter we see every day - even if we were not the ones who put it there!

Please consider taking time on March 28 to be a part of the Great American Cleanup in Ouachita Parish. If you cannot take part this Saturday, consider organizing your own cleanup anytime this spring.

To learn more about the cleanup or to register online, please visit www.ouachitagreen.org. Participants will also find a list of supply pick up locations. Several sites throughout the parish will have supplies ready for pick up on Saturday including orange safety vests, litter grab it tools and trash bags.