To prepare for our upcoming webinar, we thought we should give you some background on the role of citizen scientists and the related programs run by our guest speakers.What is a citizen scientist?The dictionary defines citizen scientist as, "a member of the general public who collects and analyzes data relating to the natural world, typically as pa...

One of the biggest sustainability trends these days is the reduction of single-use plastics. We all love the convenience and our lives are definitely easier with a stream of disposable products, but do you ever stop to think about where those containers, straws, and sporks end up? Recycling is always an option, but did you know that only about 35% ...

It's Great American Cleanup time again! A new decade calls for new ways to cleanup our communities. Join us in 2020 with new themes and fun ways to get involved and improve yours. Keep an eye out for webinars, signature events, and monthly themes.March - This month, our friends at Keep San Marcos Beautiful invite fellow affiliates to join them in t...

Fall Sweep is now in full swing and we have an amazing 148 registrations this year!  That's even more than Texas participation in the Great American Cleanup! We are so excited that everyone has gotten into the cleanup spirit and can't wait to see all of your great wrap up data and pictures.  With less than half of...

KTB affiliates come in all shapes and sizes, but every community has the potential to gather volunteers and make a difference. In the past, we have registered events from as small as a family of four to as big as a city with over 1,000 volunteers. No matter what size your community or what needs you have, Fall Sweep is a great time to get everyone ...

In 1985, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) launched an ad campaign to encourage citizens to take care of their state and stop littering. This slogan has been repeated countless times by presidents, athletes, super stars and ordinary Texans. We all know it well. "Don't mess with Texas!"In the 1990s, KTB joined the effort by encouraging ...

For 21 years, the Great American Cleanup (GAC)has been a signature program of Keep America Beautiful (KAB). On average, this nationwide event brings out 3.4 million volunteers in 20,000 different communities. The event runs from March 1 thru May 31 and encourages communities to improve themselves in various ways. Although started as a litter cleanu...

​Gracias! Merci! Danke! No matter how you say it, "thank you" is the easiest and most powerful statement you can say to your volunteers. A simple thank you can solidify the positive experience they had with you and not only keep them coming back, but they will bring their friends, too. Thank you can make the difference between feeling appreciated a...

Now that you have recruited a database full of fabulous volunteers, how do you keep them coming back for more? Recruitment can be time consuming and you definitely don't want to start over every time you need volunteers. Make sure you keep notes on who you contacted and collect contact information from all of your participating volunteers.This will...

September 22 is the official start of Fall. Cooler weather is in the forecast and it's a great time to get outside and improve your community! We've got you covered with our Second Annual Fall Sweep supply package. Schedule an event in your area and get FREE bags and gloves from Keep Texas Beautiful! ​There are many ways to get involved in Fall Swe...

Many of you have asked KTB staff how to get more youth involved in your organization. Some of you have adult volunteers that may not be as familiar with technology and social media. Others are concerned about sustainability and passing your hard work and passion on to future generations.Let's face it, none of us are getting any younger and if ...

Keep Texas Beautiful is excited to announce the return of our RACA program. RACA stands for River Access and Conservation Areas and is our designation for grant funding provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for river cleanups throughout the state.What is RACA? TPWD has signed lease agreements that allow publ...

​Tired of watching trash float down your local stream instead of fish? Do you avoid the beach because there is more than just sand between your toes? (Cigarette butts, yuck!) Check out our Keep Texas Waterways Clean (KTWC) program and help clean it up!Aquatic trash is not only unsightly, it can travel for miles, into larger bodies of water and even...