Keeping the Spirit of Earth Day in Whitfield
/Earth Day may have passed, but the spirit behind it does not have to stop on April 22. In fact, the end of April and the beginning of May are a perfect time to stay involved, get creative, and think about how each of us can help take care of the place we call home.
Many local residents may have seen Keep Dalton-Whitfield Beautiful celebrating earlier this month at the Dalton-Whitfield Earth Day Celebration at Prater’s Mill on April 19th or at their booth during the Bill Gregory Healthcare Classic on April 26th. But the opportunities to get involved do not end there.
For those who feel ready to take action, planning a cleanup is one of the most straightforward and impactful ways to make a difference. You do not have to be part of a formal group. Anyone can organize a cleanup effort, whether it's a family walk where you pick up litter as you go, or a few neighbors agreeing to spend an hour on a stretch of road that needs attention. Keep Dalton-Whitfield Beautiful makes this even easier by offering free cleanup supplies to residents. That includes gloves, safety vests, and trash bags, all at no cost to you. You can reach out to them directly to arrange pickup and get tips for organizing your effort. If you know of a spot in your neighborhood that tends to collect trash, this is a great way to take the lead in doing something about it.
If you want to make an even bigger impact, you can encourage your workplace, church group, or social club to get involved. Hosting a group cleanup or recycling drive can strengthen community bonds while doing something positive for the environment. Even setting aside a few minutes at the start or end of an existing meeting to talk about recycling habits or local beautification projects can plant the seed for bigger action down the road.
Recycling is another area where a little attention can go a long way. Many of us recycle regularly but as things get busy it can be easy to fall out of the habit. Now is a great time to refresh your knowledge and recommit to keeping recyclable materials out of the landfill. You can start by checking with https://www.dwswa.org/recycling-101 or 706-278-5001. You can also try moving where you place your recyclables at home to see if it makes it easier, set reminders on your phone for pickup day, or put reminders to recycle where you are likely to see them like your fridge, the mirror in the bathroom, or next to where you sort your mail.
Some residents think recycling has to be all or nothing, but that is not true. Even recycling part of your household’s waste makes a difference. If you are only able to recycle plastic bottles and aluminum cans, that is still worth doing. If you live in an apartment or a place where pickup is not offered, there are four convenience centers available for drop-off. This is also a good time to talk with your family, coworkers, or even your child’s school about how they handle recyclables. Earth Week gives you an easy excuse to start that conversation and find ways to improve together.
Taking care of our local environment does not have to be complicated or overwhelming. Small steps matter. Picking up one piece of litter, choosing to recycle one more item, or sharing information with a friend or neighbor all add up over time.
For those of us who live in Whitfield County and the city of Dalton, Earth Day is not just a date on the calendar. It is a reminder that our home with its hills, creeks, sidewalks, and streets is a beautiful place we are lucky to have. Keeping it clean, healthy, and beautiful is something we all have a stake in. Whether you plan a cleanup, restart your recycling efforts, or just take a quiet moment to notice and appreciate your surroundings, you are part of something bigger than yourself.
Amy Hartline is the recycling and education program coordinator for the Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority. Have a recycling question? Contact her at (706) 278-5001 or ahartline@dwswa.org.