The Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce is polling area residents to determine why residents do or don’t participate in recycling programs.

The survey is the first piece of a “Clean and Green” initiative tied to the week of Earth Day, which is April 22-26, Executive Director Chrissie Duffy said.

Links to the survey, “How Green Are You,” are available on the Chamber’s website and social media pages, and here. 

The campaign will encourage people to recycle, reuse, and reduce the amount of waste generated, with simple steps like shopping with reusable bags instead of consuming plastic bags with each trip.

The recycling piece also educates the general public about what can go in a green recycling bag in the city’s program.

In addition, the Chamber is seeking partners to sponsor reusable shopping bags and reusable drink containers, which are part of a Clean and Green starter kit. The kits will include a re-usable drink container, a green recycling bag, a roadside litter bag, a RECYCLE RIGHT graphic for your home/office, and a re-usable shopping bag, Duffy said.

The week will end with a clean-up day on Fri., April 26, when the Chamber will work with Frank Schaffer of EMA, Covington Area Transportation (CATS), and ALDOT to put teams out picking up trash.

As in the past, one of the areas to be cleaned up will be Hwy. 84 between Andalusia and Opp, and the chambers of commerce in each city will attempt to get the whole area cleaned. They also will work on the areas near Welcome to Covington County signage.

Anyone who would like to partner with the chamber, or organize a team to pick up litter should contact the chamber at  222-2030.