We all know litter is a problem in our region. So, let’s work together to fix it.
I’m partnering with Keep Louisiana Beautiful this year to promote the Clean BIZ Program to chambers and businesses across the state. By joining the program, your business would be making a statement of leadership and commitment to make a positive environmental impact and keep our community litter free.
Litter affects the health and vitality of our community, negatively impacting street flooding, property values, tourism, our image, the environment and businesses. A recent litter public attitude survey conducted in the state showed that 89 percent of polled participants stated they believe litter negatively impacts businesses by decreasing revenues.
Litter affects impressions now but also in the future. Potential businesses and residents look at things like the cleanliness and attractiveness of our cities when they are choosing whether to relocate.
The Clean BIZ Partnership is a practical way for businesses in Louisiana to do their part in creating a cleaner, more sustainable future. As a Clean BIZ Partner, businesses agree to adopt best practices to prevent litter. These practices include taking 10 minutes daily to pick up litter from parking bays and/or around the business, placing trash/ash receptacles at the storefront or transition points, maintaining a clean dumpster by keeping the lid closed and the area around the dumpster free of litter and debris, maintaining the business lawn and landscaping, participating in community improvement activities, creating a culture of cleanliness for employees and customers by displaying Clean BIZ Partnership marketing materials and promoting participation on social media channels and websites, and submitting a brief report and uploading photographs to document participation.
To get started, Clean BIZ Partners receive a toolkit that includes a Clean BIZ Partnership daily tasks poster, “Proud to Be a Clean BIZ Partner” window cling, “Proud to Be a Clean BIZ Partner” table-top poster, and a social media package with messaging and graphics. This package includes a suggested posting schedule with professionally produced ready-to-post graphics that make it easy to promote participation in the Clean BIZ Partnership.
I believe with the help of our business community, we can tackle this litter problem and keep Louisiana beautiful. Join me as a Clean BIZ Partner and sign up to Love the Boot by cleaning up our community together. Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/5n7h2vue
Lisa Johnson is president and CEO of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce
