Residents Encouraged to help Keep Ashe County Beautiful

By Vicki Randolph

Driving down the roads in our beautiful High Country, it's easy to see why so many people come from so many places to enjoy a view of our mountains. Unfortunately, it's also easy to see plenty of litter.

There may not be as much as in some of the more populated towns and cities in our state, but any litter is too much. Litter is unsightly, bad for the environment, bad for wildlife and bad for tourism. It may seem like an easy problem to fix, but in fact it's not.

Keeping the countryside pristine is a complex issue because of many factors. It's actually combined issues of awareness, education, technology and enforcement. We can teach our children, put up signs and enforce fines, but there will still be litter. After decades of dealing with the problem in the United States, there is one major tool that really works, Keep America Beautiful.

Those of us who are over 30 remember it well; the crying Indian over looking the land, a single tear rolling down his cheek. It was a moving commercial by Keep America Beautiful. Before Iron Eyes Cody, there was Lassie and Lady Bird Johnson. Now there's the KAB Man, the ads aren't as prevalent and universal as they used to be, but litter still is, and Keep America Beautiful is still leading the fight to do just as its name implies.

KAB has plenty of statistics to prove their cause; communities that become their affiliates do see a difference. There is a reduction in litter every time, which results in a better quality of life in general for each of these communities. KAB is based on facts, planning and focuses on results.

The Chamber of Commerce and others involved in the hospitality industry have been concerned about the problem of litter in Ashe County for some time, and they have explored different ways to deal with the problem. Ashe County officials and community leaders now recognize the best tool available to help, and they are ready to join forces with the thousands of other communities who have joined the KAB network.

Certification as a KAB affiliate is not something to be taken lightly. It is a commitment for change. It also means support at the national level, at the community level, and of course involvement at the individual level. Several steps have to be taken for Ashe County to become certified, but it will all be worth it in the end.

According to Cabot Hamilton, director of the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, "We are pleased to be a part of the beginning of an effort to 'Keep Ashe County Beautiful.' It is hoped that the efforts of 'Keep Ashe County Beautiful' will evolve into a strong advocacy and educational force that will impact Ashe County in a positive manner. We will be looking for people that want to become fully engaged with commitment and energy in the growth of Keep Ashe County Beautiful."

Thanks to our community leaders who have stepped up to the plate to take on this responsibility. Many of them met recently for a presentation by Brenda Ewadinger, Executive Director of North Carolina Keep America Beautiful. All residents are encouraged to join the up coming fight to Keep Ashe County Beautiful.

Anyone who thinks they would like to be involved in this effort on any level should contact the Chamber of Commerce at ashechamber@skybest.com or by calling (336) 846-9550.