AMITE — Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB), a state program which works with local non-profits and governments to support local communities through programs and resources for litter prevention, education, removal, enforcement, recycling, waste reduction and sustainability initiatives, has chosen Tangipahoa Parish Government to receive a Greener Grounds Grant to support Tangipahoa Parish Fair’s waste management practices.
Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller announced today that KLB has awarded the $7,322.00 grant to help elevate Tangipahoa Parish Fair’s current waste reduction plan. “This grant award represents an active partnership with KLB that will help our event organizers uphold their responsibility to do the right thing for the environment while we give our attendees all the fun and festivities Tangipahoa Parish Fair offers,” Miller said.
KLB Executive Director, Susan Russell explains that Greener Grounds is more than just a cleanup supplies grant, endeavoring to improve litter prevention and waste management practices at large, outdoor Louisiana events such as fairs, festivals, parades and concerts. KLB partnered with French Quarter Festivals, Inc. to create the Greener Grounds Guidebook and Workbook to provide practical ways that event organizers can plan to manage and reduce waste, increase recycling and prevent litter at their events. The grant supports the implementation of the best practices outlined in the guidebook.
“Louisiana is home to more than 400 festivals and events annually attended by locals and tourists who come together to celebrate the state’s vibrant offerings of food, music, history, and culture. With these events often comes a completely avoidable and solvable issue: litter. While we all love to laissez les bons temps rouler, we must ensure the waste inevitably created by outdoor events does not threaten our environment. Keeping event sites clean not only enhances the attendees’ experience, but also helps stop the detrimental cycle of mismanaged waste becoming litter that will clog storm drains or enter waterways – an issue that harms the state’s coastline, wildlife and water quality.”
Made possible with funding from the State of Louisiana and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, 16 Greener Grounds Grants totaling over $105,300 were awarded to eligible organizations including Louisiana non-profits, municipalities and parishes that organize events of at least 1,000 attendees per day.
Miller added. “Tangipahoa Parish Fair will use our grant to purchase essential litter control supplies and signage aimed at reducing waste and encouraging responsible disposal practices. These efforts will support a cleaner, greener environment during the Tangipahoa Parish Fair, taking place October 1–5 at the Tangipahoa Parish Fairgrounds, 12614 Arena Drive, Amite City, LA 70422.”
Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB), is a state program under the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism that promotes a personal, corporate, and community responsibility for a clean and beautiful Louisiana. KLB supports local communities through programs and resources for litter education, prevention, removal, enforcement, beautification, recycling, waste reduction, and sustainability initiatives. KLB is affiliated with the national organization, Keep America Beautiful, and is supported by a robust statewide network of Community Affiliates and University Affiliates. Learn more at KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org.
