The old quote from John Wesley that "Cleanliness is next to godliness" may not be used much anymore, but the idea that a clean environment contributes to good health is the driving force behind a number of state and national volunteer organizations. Research has shown that a clean environment is not only physically safer, but can elevate mood and create a more positive, productive lifestyle. When combined with the satisfaction of volunteerism, promoting cleanliness becomes a powerful and healthy cause.
The State of Florida is a great example of the ways in which environment can directly impact health and how volunteerism can contribute to personal and collective well-being. Known for its beautiful waterways and recreational opportunities, Florida boasts a number of clean up organizations and projects that enlist the enthusiasm of groups and individuals to help maintain and protect its unique natural resources.
Adopt-A-Highway
Sprucing up Florida’s highways for over a decade, Adopt-A- Highway groups help the Department of Transportation put a fresh face on the roads that bring millions of visitors to Florida each year. Adopt-A-Highway groups are asked to commit two years to “adopt” a two mile section of a state highway, follow DOT regulations, and remove litter at least four times each year. The Department of Transportation assists by aiding in safety instruction, providing safety vests and litter bags, picking up collected litter at pre-arranged locations, and posting signs along the group’s section to recognize their contribution. These efforts enable the state work crews to spend more time on maintenance and special projects and provide a distinct sense of civic pride to residents that volunteer.
For more information on Adopt-A-Highway call 1-800-BAN-LITT or visit Florida's Department of Transportation on the web.
Keep America Beautiful, Inc.
Promoting litter prevention, waste reduction, and community beautification and improvement since 1953, Keep America Beautiful (KAB) is a national non-profit network that marshal millions of volunteers to improve land, waters, and built environment. Focusing on education, cooperation, and inspiration, Keep America Beautiful provides programs that strive to effect behavioral changes to reduce litter, reuse resources, and recycle waste. KAB contends that these type projects not only clean up the environment, but support the economic health and safety of local communities.
There are many active Keep America Beautiful affiliates in Florida that sponsor a variety of community improvement programs. KAB’s largest annual campaign, The Great American Cleanup, is a key activity for the most local chapters.
For more information on Great American Cleanup activities nationwide, visit Keep America Beautiful, Inc.
Watershed Action Volunteers
While keeping roadways and neighborhoods tidy is a valuable volunteering activity, cleaning up Florida’s unique network of waterways directly impacts community health. The St. John’s River Water Management District’s Watershed Action Volunteer Program allows volunteers to actively protect Florida’s splendid water resources. Volunteers are trained by WAV coordinators to test water quality, survey for pollution, help revegetate, and conduct educational presentations in the community. Protecting Florida’s water systems is not only critical to clean drinking water and healthy wildlife habitats, but can effect recreation opportunities, jobs and food supplies throughout the state.
For more information call the St. John’s River Water Management District WAV Program (386)329-4345.
Combining the uplifting benefits of a clean environment and volunteerism can contribute to the well-being of individuals in communities everywhere. Picking up litter, providing safe and clean parks and playgrounds for kids or ensuring the waterways that feed into the drinking water that sustains all may prove John Wesley right!
 |
