Chamber giving trash bags to public

By Staff
Rebecca Walker, Franklin County Times
The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce is supplying litter bags to the public in an attempt to help deal with litter problem on local roadways.
"We've already started giving bags out at banks in town, through the drive-through windows," Lisa Stockton, executive director for the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, said. "We're going to continue doing that, as well as supplying bags at utility offices throughout the county."
The bags are supplied by People Against a Littered State (PALS). The non-profit organization is sponsored by major corporations such as Vulcan Materials and Honda, as well as others. PALS offers spring clean ups, beach clean ups, and the Adopt-a-Mile program.
On April 28, a clean-up weekend took place in which 4400 pounds of trash was collected on Highway 24. Another is to take place in the fall on Highway 24.
"We're waiting until then for safety and travel reasons. Not only are the roads going to be extremely busy, but the weather and wildlife aren't the best for roadside clean up right now," said Stockton.
According to Stockton, the 4400 pounds of trash was retrieved between the Russellville and Red Bay city limits, which is a 22 mile stretch. Eleven of those miles are marked by Adopt-a-Mile signs.
"We are encouraging people who have adopted an area to clean it up. Those people have a responsibility to keep those areas clean. If they had done so, it would have almost cut the 22 miles in half," said Stockton. "If you adopted a mile, whether it was last year or 10 years ago, you still have a responsibility to clean it up."
The county-wide clean up is a combined effort of the Chamber of Commerce and the Franklin County Commission. According to Stockton, the late Judge Mike Green was a supporter of litter cleanup, and saw the Chamber of Commerce as a perfect catalyst to see it through and get ball rolling.
The Chamber of Commerce incorporates small ideas on ways to clean up county. They try to include civic clubs, church groups, and school groups.
Stockton encourages everyone to do their part in keeping Franklin County clean.
"You'd be surprised at how much trash you can pick up in 30-40 minutes just outside of your business or place of residence. We have received calls to the Chamber asking why such a beautiful town is littered. Especially right now, with Toyota moving into Tupelo and people traveling to the lakes in the summer, we want to keep our area beautiful." Travelers are asked not throw trash out of their vehicles. Rather, it should be taken home and put into a garbage can. According to Stockton, it is each person's responsibility to clean their own area and county clean.
"Studies have shown that once area is kept clean, it is less likely to get trashed again. When people see a messy roadway, they think, 'What's another Coke can out the window?'" she said. "It's going to take every citizen to keep Franklin County looking clean."