A rainy week and cold temperatures deterred a large turnout, but despite the weather, around 30 warm-hearted people showed up to participate in LitterBlitz 2021! OKCBeautiful (a Keep America Beautiful Affiliate) sponsors the program each year, where teams of volunteers are asked to pick up trash in designated areas (one time) during the month of April to save taxpayer dollars, and to beautify the City.
Though the sun provided the illusion of warmth during Saturday’s initial safety briefing, the Oklahoma wind tugged temperatures below 40 degrees. Not long after volunteers fanned out, clouds rushed in to keep things chilly. Even so, "LitterBlitzers" wore smiles on their faces and dedicated three hours to cleaning up the grounds near the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC).
Employees have been representing MMAC in LitterBlitz since 2017. Last year’s event was cancelled due to COVID-19, but people were happy to participate this year. Volunteers patrolled the roadsides from SW 59th and MacArthur Blvd. around Regina Avenue past the MMAC main gate, down to SW 89th and MacArthur Blvd. (3.5 miles of roadway).
After the event, fifty bags of trash, plus various large/heavy items were heaped into a pile for the City to conveniently collect at one time. In keeping with tradition, volunteers were asked if they found anything peculiar while walking the roadsides. Many of them found several Red Bull cans (more than beer cans, surprisingly) Visitor’s Center badges, cigarette butts, a bottle of Gorilla Glue, a pack of 4 unsmoked (wet) cigarettes, and several medical masks. Robert Posar, Aviation Automation Specialist from AMA-260, said, "It was really surprising how many large Red Bull cans we picked up… Made me feel a little better about my coffee addiction."
When asked about what motivated volunteers to participate in LitterBlitz, many reacted similarly, with a strong sense of environmental responsibility. Melody Godwin, Human Resources Assistant (Records) from AHF-C410, reflected, "I used to do something similar to Litterblitz years ago, before I worked for the FAA with my dad, who has been in the FAA for 15+ years. I’m passionate about taking care of the environment and will always do anything I can to help keep it free from harmful items, especially those that aren’t biodegradable (which was most of the trash I found)." Geoffrey Johnson from Western Heights Public School’s Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps mentioned that the cadets were anxious to return to some sort of normalcy in community service. Justin Cockroft, Management and Program Analyst from AMC-3, brought his children with him to the event. He stated, "We enjoyed the opportunity to get out in the sunshine and work together with the people of MMAC to make our Center beautiful!"
It is hard to believe that some people intentionally toss trash out of their vehicles, considering the fines of between $500 and $5,000 are in effect (Oklahoma State title 21, §1761.1). Littering is a misdemeanor and can result in imprisonment and mandatory community service. In addition to the fines, violators must also pay damages or clean up the property affected. Tossing a cigarette out of a window while still lit can cause grassfires, forest fires, and can also lead to the loss of life if the fire spreads to residential areas.
Though trash finds its way to our roadsides, whether it’s from intentional delivery, or from the wind that comes, "…Sweepin’ down the plain," it is heart-warming to know that there are kind volunteers who are willing to clean up our surroundings. Kim Sheppard, MMAC Chief of Staff, mentioned how LitterBlitz was a great way for our employees to safely get together outdoors to reconnect, while giving back to the community. She said, "Their efforts not only made the area near the Center look amazing, but also saved the City from having to spend extra funds to clean-up the littered area - and reduced the impact on animal life by removing harmful litter from their environment." Kim continued, "It is great to work with such caring and giving people."
