Ferguson: Citizens' group tackles litter on local streets
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| Brian Flinchpaugh photo - Henry Kasoff and Sue Odell are among a group of Ferguson residents who are picking up litter as part of an effort by Keep Ferguson Beautiful. They were among a group picking up trash along Paul Avenue on Saturday. |
The group, called Keep Ferguson Beautiful, has begun tackling the litter problem by walking city streets and filling garbage bags.
It started when the Kasoffs were walking through Ferguson neighborhoods."My wife and I are avid walkers, and we did a lot of walking after moving here two years ago," Kasoff said. "One of the things we noticed was a lot of litter."
Kasoff started carrying a garbage bag on his walks, picking up the litter himself. But it took only a few blocks to fill the bags. He said he quickly found that the task of gathering litter was more than he could handle.
So, why not make it a community effort, he said.
Kasoff said the city doesn't have enough workers or time to pick up all of the litter. But a group of volunteers, along with support from area businesses, can make a difference, he said.
The group now has a three-member board and is applying for nonprofit status with the state. More information is available at http://www.KeepFergusonBeautiful.com.
With about 20 people currently participating, the goal is to create a core of 50 to 60 people, Kasoff said.
Last Saturday morning, a half-dozen volunteers gathered behind the former St. John's liquor store off South Florissant Road and Suburban Avenue. Armed with yellow plastic bags and gloves, they picked up litter along Paul Avenue.
"We're proud of Ferguson, and the only way to stay proud of a place is keep it up," said Ann Fink, one of the volunteers.
Anna Buechier and Sue Odell had the latest in litter pickup gear - long metal tools with prongs that close like a jaw on a piece of paper. The tools make it easier to pick up litter and a lot easier on bending backs.
Buechier said picking up litter is an example of how people can get involved in their communities.
"Not just Ferguson, but everywhere," Buechier said. "People need to get involved, and they need to remember that we are a small town, we don't have a big budget and we care."
Odell said having a visible group of people doing something may influence others.
"And it's infectious. People see you picking up, they think 'I can do that,'" Odell said. "They aren't as self-consciousness about it."
Kasoff said he hopes another step for residents may be to adopt their own block and make sure it's kept clean.
Several businesses helping the effort included Little Caesars Pizza, which donated pizzas to feed volunteers and the use of their Dumpster, and Shop n' Save, which allowed the use of their Dumpster.
Kasoff said the group also hopes to launch an education effort in local schools.
"There are a lot of environmental issues like global warning that kids can do nothing about," Kasoff said.
"Litter is something an 8-year-old can do something about."
