Los Alamos County Environmental Services Division Manager Angelica Gurule accepts a proclamation Tuesday night for Clean Up Los Alamos Day. Screenshot/LADP

By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com

The event may look a little different this year but Los Alamos residents still have the opportunity to ensure their community is squeaky clean.

Saturday is Clean Up Los Alamos Day, and Los Alamos County Council honored the event with a proclamation Tuesday night.

Councilor David Izraelevitz presented the proclamation, which read:

Whereas: Communities worldwide celebrated Earth Day on April 22nd virtually during the COVID-19 Pandemic,

with activities and educational opportunities to encourage residents to renew their commitment to preserving our valuable resources here on Earth; and

WHEREAS: At home and in school, parents and teachers educated children about the benefits of protecting our resources and the importance of caring for our environment; and

WHEREAS: During COVID-19 volunteers can clean Los Alamos County while performing CDC safe practices of social distancing and not gathering in groups larger than five; and

WHEREAS: At virtual events, Zero Waste Los Alamos Team educates residents of Los Alamos County about how to recycle at home and prevent food waste; and 

WHEREAS: Los Alamos County, Zia Credit Union, and Coca-Cola will sponsor the 17th annual “Clean Up Los Alamos Day” on Saturday, September 12th  for volunteers to clean up neighborhoods, parks and businesses; and 

WHEREAS: “Clean Up Los Alamos Day” will improve the appearance of our community by engaging residents and asking them to take personal responsibility for their community and environment; and

WHEREAS: The County will provide residents with a free disposal day at the Eco Station on September 12th; and 

WHEREAS: When we participate in activities such as “Clean Up Los Alamos Day,” we set a good example for our children, showing them we care about protecting our land and open spaces, which in turn strengthens our economy and improves our environment; 

NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of the Council of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, I do hereby designate

Saturday, September 12th as “Clean Up Los Alamos Day” and urge our community, organizations and businesses to participate; and 

Furthermore, I ask our residents to re-dedicate themselves to finding ways to protect and preserve our environment, such as packing a zero waste lunch, learning about food waste prevention, reusing and recycling materials.

Environmental Services Division Manager Angelica Gurule said there are 18 groups signed up for the event and 200 volunteers. Although there will not be a volunteer appreciation picnic, Gurule said cookies from Ruby K’s will be distributed to participants who come to Eco Station to unload their trash and recyclable material. She added Saturday will be a free tipping day at the Eco Station.

Plus, people can enter a contest for prizes. Gurule said people can post photos on Facebook with the hashtag, #quarancleanupLA, for the chance to win compost bins and zero waste kits.

“I would just really like to thank (Office Specialist) Sara Martinez for all her hard work coordinating this,” Gurule said. “I am just grateful to have the event.”