News Summary
Amber Nappier, Greenwood County’s litter prevention coordinator, was recognized for her dedication to environmental conservation during the annual Keep Greenwood County Beautiful meeting. Since taking on her role in 2021, she has significantly impacted anti-litter initiatives, organizing numerous cleanup events across the county, including the annual cleanup at Lake Greenwood. With support from community volunteers and organizations, Nappier’s efforts are helping to combat litter culture and promote community pride in maintaining a cleaner environment.
Greenwood County’s Litter Prevention Champion Recognized for Environmental Dedication
Greenwood County is buzzing with excitement as the community hails its very own litter prevention coordinator, who has made waves in the realm of conservation. Recently, at the annual meeting for Keep Greenwood County Beautiful (KGCB), Amber Nappier received a special recognition for her exceptional work in conserving the environment, ecology, and forestry.
A Celebration of Dedication
This heartfelt recognition didn’t come lightly. Since the early 2000s, KGCB has been on a mission as a nonprofit organization dedicated to anti-litter initiatives and beautification projects, significantly contributing to the area’s environmental health. Under Nappier’s guidance, these initiatives have earned Greenwood County serious bragging rights, especially with cleanup events held at popular destinations like Lake Greenwood.
Clean and Green
Every year, KGCB hosts a highly anticipated annual cleanup event at Lake Greenwood, where hundreds of bags of trash are collected, making the lake a cleaner and more beautiful place for residents and visitors alike. This year’s event, scheduled for March 8 from 9 a.m. to noon, is expected to draw yet another impressive crowd. Last year alone, over 300 volunteers rolled up their sleeves and pitched in to make a significant impact.
Making an Impact
Nappier, who transitioned to the role of litter prevention coordinator in 2021, has a deep-rooted passion for conservation and environmental education. With experience working for the National Park Service and the City of Greenwood as a horticulturist, she has been instrumental in organizing litter cleanup events across the county, focusing on roadsides, parks, and streets. Her commitment to raising awareness around littering and fostering community involvement has been a driving force behind numerous successful initiatives.
Joining Forces
Collaboration has been a key element in Greenwood County’s fight against litter. Among those rallying behind Nappier is Walt Willard, the energetic leader of the Litter Warriors, a group dedicated to weekly cleanup efforts. Their tireless commitment shows that community engagement is essential in raising awareness about litter problems.
Moreover, board member Tara Smith organizes a monthly event aptly named “Trash Time with Tara,” creating yet another exciting opportunity for residents to get involved in making their community cleaner. With events like these, the community spirit shines brighter than ever.
What’s Making a Mess?
The items most frequently collected during cleanups typically include fast food packaging, drink bottles, and other household waste. Nappier is profoundly concerned about the persistent culture of “buy-it, throw-it-away,” which plays a significant role in the litter issue facing Greenwood County. This kind of mindset can significantly undermine the environment and the community’s efforts to keep it clean.
Encouraging Participation
KGCB not only organizes these cleanup events but also provides all necessary supplies and support to volunteers to facilitate their participation. This access empowers residents and instills a strong sense of community pride and responsibility toward keeping Greenwood County vibrant and litter-free.
A Bright Future
As Nappier is honored with the planting of 20 trees in her name in the Superior National Forest, it is clear that her hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. With organizations like KGCB leading the charge, Greenwood County is well on its way to becoming an even more beautiful place to live, work, and play.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Storm Cleanup and Landfill
- Fox Carolina: Greenwood Co. Partners with SCDOT
- WRDW: Burning Ban Lifted in South Carolina
- Greenville Online: Recycling Dos and Don’ts
- Fox Carolina: Henderson County Free Curbside Cleanup
- Wikipedia: Littering
- Google Search: Environmental Cleanup
- Google Scholar: Litter Prevention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Litter
- Google News: Greenwood County Litter Cleanup
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
