Rid Litter Day is a designated community event that encourages residents to clean up litter, primarily focusing on roadside trash to keep their community clean and tidy.
On the morning of Saturday, Nov. 2, residents, nonprofit organizations, and local officials gathered at the Palos Park Recreation Center, 8901 123rd St., for the village’s second annual Fall Rid Litter Day. Mayor Nicole Milovich-Walters joined volunteers at the center, which was the starting point for the clean-up event.
“I’m so pleased that we have had such strong participation with our annual Spring Rid Litter Day that it inspired us to organize another one in the fall,” Milovich-Walters said. “It was a wonderful opportunity for residents to contribute to the beauty of our Village, Palos Park. While many of us do our part regularly, dedicating an entire day for the community to come together really strengthens our bond.”
The clean-up took place along 123rd Street and McCarthy Road, extending into some residential areas. Stagg High School senior Tuana Ozbir also helped out.
“It’s a beautiful day and a great way to help the community and gain service hours at the same time,” Ozbir, 17, of Palos Hills, said.
The first Rid Litter Day was organized by the Beautification Committee in 1997. Since then, volunteers have collected an estimated three tons of litter.
Village officials provided gloves and garbage bags to volunteers. At the end of the day, the filled bags were collected and discarded during Monday’s regular garbage pickup.
“Litter cleanups are a great way for individuals, families, and groups to give back and build pride in their community,” Beautification Committee Chair Denise Cowan said. “With just one hour of picking up trash, you can remove thousands of pieces of litter, protecting wildlife, waterways, soil, and ecosystems from harmful chemicals and debris.”
More than 40 people participate each year in April’s Rid Litter Day, which has been held for over 25 years. The fall event, added last year, has significantly contributed to the village’s cleanup efforts, Cowan said.
“We are blessed to live in a beautiful community like Palos Park, surrounded by an abundance of majestic trees and woods,” she said. “It’s heartwarming to see so many people come together to support the environment and make a positive impact in the community.”
Cowan noted the visible, consistent change around the village after Rid Litter Day clean-up events.
“I love driving down the street after the event and seeing all the orange bags lined up, thanks to people who care,” she said. “If you love experiencing nature, picking up a single piece of trash is a small way to help preserve these spaces. You may not have created the problem, but it sure feels good to be part of the solution.”
As volunteers dropped off the last bags of litter and the day wound down, the collective effort of Palos Park residents was evident along the freshly cleaned streets. Cowan said events like Rid Litter Day really bring the entire community together.
“Every piece of litter we pick up today makes a difference,” she added. “Together, we’re building a stronger, greener community for future generations.”
