By By MARY-ALLISON LANCASTER – Managing Editor
With blue skies in the forecast, many residents traveling along Highways 41, 31 and Sowell Road Saturday may notice more foot traffic than normal.
To celebrate Earth Day, the city's Quality of Life Committee and the Greater Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce have invited residents to take part in a community-wide cleanup.
&#8220I didn't even realize the magnitude of the problem,” said Molly Ruzic, a Quality of Life committee member.
Just walking around in her neighborhood, Ruzic said she has noticed trash, ranging from fast food bags to beer cans, lining the streets.
Ruzic and other committee members are hoping for a large turnout for Saturday's events.
Residents can gather at the City Park by the courthouse at 8 a.m., where they will receive instructions on what to pick up and what not to pick up - such as heavy objects and shattered glass - and supplies, such as orange vests, gloves and garbage bags.
Residents are encouraged to wear bright, comfortable clothes and carry a small towel in case it is muggy, and parents are discouraged from bringing small children while picking up trash.
Depending on the numbers, Ruzic said five or more people will be placed in a group and will be assigned a half of a mile per group. Each group will work on both sides of the road.
The YMCA has provided vans that will be circling routes and passing out bottled water provided by Wal-Mart.
Currently, there is a $500 fine for people who litter.
Ruzic said the committee is working to get law enforcement more involved, and police departments have agreed to work in conjunction with the cleanup efforts as far as manpower allows.
But some residents said it's up to the community, as well, to aid in the cleanup.
After the pick up, BankTrust, NDI and Pepsi will host a hot dog lunch in the park, with entertainment provided by Kelly Stallworth.
Organizers encourage families to attend the Earth Day events.
T-shirts, selling for $10, will benefit the Quality of Life Committee's continuing litter campaign for the Brewton area.
While the cleanup is important, residents are encouraged to hold on to certain hazardous material, including televisions, computers and cell phones - otherwise known as &#8220E-waste.”
Hopefully, Ruzic said, the committee will have a &#8220forthcoming solution.”
The city of Brewton will have various locations where Dumpsters will be placed for households to dispose of certain items.
Residents are encouraged to help with the ongoing effort to keep Brewton and East Brewton beautiful.