As the earth turns green, Keep America Beautiful Month in April reminds us of the ways we improve our environment. It’s not just about picking up trash and keeping our own living space clean. The movement celebrates the efforts we make several key areas.

The Keep America Beautiful Foundation is a US-based non-profit organization with three basic missions: reducing waste, preventing litter and beautifying communities. It’s about uniting communities in common goals.  Together, we can live in more beautiful and clean neighborhoods.

HISTORY

In 1971, the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America in conjunction with Keep America Beautiful, Inc. founded Keep America Beautiful Day. A week of activities followed in 1982, where cities celebrated with beautification events, school contests, and educational committees. By 1984, city officials across the country proclaimed Keep America Beautiful Month and planned expanded events and programs to improve their communities.

Don’t forget that we celebrate Earth Day this month and if your observing National Volunteer Month, join one of many local events like beach clean ups, community gardens, or litter cleanups.

HOW TO OBSERVE

• Reduce waste by repurposing and reusing old items. Recycling is another meaningful way we can all reduce waste in our communities.
• Teach children the importance of preventing litter. Adopt-a-highway, street or park programs are an excellent way to educate and beautify at the same time.
• Beautifying your community can be a fun and creative project. Clean up the winter debris in your yard. Plant a tree, some flowers or even a garden. Put a fresh coat of paint on your fence or deck.

There are many ways we can all help beautify our part of the world. Use #KeepAmericaBeautifulMonth to share on social media.