Newberry Encourages Community to Keep Parks Clean
NEWBERRY COUNTY — Parks are favorite spots for locals to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of amenities, these facilities welcome individuals and families alike. From scenic biking trails to pet-friendly areas, parks cater to a diverse crowd. Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck in early 2020, outdoor spaces became crucial for recreation, as they provided a safe haven when indoor gathering places were off-limits.
This increased usage has led to a surge of visitors enjoying the parks today, highlighting the need for community responsibility in keeping these areas clean and enjoyable. Unfortunately, budget cuts and reduced staffing from pandemic-related constraints also affected park management. Thus, it’s more important than ever for everyone to pitch in and preserve the cleanliness of our parks.
Effective Strategies to Keep Parks Clean
Here are four simple strategies that every park-goer can adopt to help maintain and improve the cleanliness of parks:
1. Leave No Trace
The Leave No Trace principles promote responsible outdoor ethics. According to National Geographic, these guidelines encourage visitors to use parks in thoughtful and sustainable ways. One of the key components is the carry in/carry out policy, which means taking back any personal belongings and trash when leaving the park. Other recommendations include respecting plants and wildlife, staying on marked trails, and practicing caution when camping or engaging in outdoor activities. For more information, visit their official website.
2. Manage Pet Waste
It’s a well-known fact that pet ownership comes with responsibilities. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that pet dogs produce over eight billion pounds of waste annually in the U.S.—that’s about three-quarters of a pound per dog each day! While animal waste is organic, failing to pick it up can cause serious environmental problems, including contaminating local water sources. It’s essential to always clean up after dogs to maintain the hygiene and attractiveness of our beloved parks.
3. Reduce Waste
Every park visit should also include a focus on waste reduction. For instance, it can take approximately 450 years for a plastic bottle to biodegrade, and even after breaking down, they can leach toxins into the soil. One easy way to prevent excess plastic waste is to bring a reusable water bottle instead of a one-time-use plastic one. If you must use plastic bottles, be sure to dispose of them in recycling containers located around the park.
4. Volunteer
Another effective way to contribute to park cleanliness is to volunteer for community clean-up events. Many organizations and local conservation groups regularly host activities focused on trash pickup. Not only does volunteering keep parks clean, but it also fosters a sense of community among participants.
As more people continue to flock to Newberry’s parks, the responsibility to keep these areas clean falls on everyone. By practicing these four strategies—using the Leave No Trace principles, managing pet waste effectively, reducing overall waste, and volunteering—we can all do our part to protect our parks. Let’s work together to ensure that these outdoor spaces remain beautiful and welcoming for everyone to enjoy.
