La Palmera Mall staffers proud to take the pledge to “Leave It Better Than You Found it.” (L-R) Cheryl Mathews, administrative assistant; Danielle Redden, marketing coordinator; Pauletta Snyder, controller; Kristina Avila, executive assistant. Staff Photo
The second phase of Corpus Christi anti-litter campaign moved into high gear recently. “Leave It Better Than You Found It" challenges citizens, business owners, schools and churches to take the pledge to pick up litter no matter who left it behind.
City officials hope to drive home the point that litter is everyone’s responsibility. When people see trash lying around they should pick it up and throw it away, or recycle it.
“We are trying to change the way people view litter,” Corpus Christi Public Information Officer of Public Works Michelle Villarreal told Corpus Christi Business News. “We are trying to get people to change their habits.”
The goal is to bring awareness to the issue, while also informing residents about how they can do their part to keep the city clean. To date, the program boasts nearly 15,000 pounds of litter picked up and disposed of in the city.
The first phase litter program launched with a sweeping awareness ad campaign to, “Stop the Wrath.” The Wrath campaign featured a jaw-dropping commercial in the style of a movie trailer complete with zombies and sci-fi special effects.
Mayor Nelda Martinez issued a city proclamation to help launch the initiatives.
“City leaders recognized the need to bring public awareness to the effects of litter and to educate the community on how to combat it,” read the proclamation. Mayor Martinez further stated that participating as a partner, “is a way of encouraging businesses, organizations, schools and our citizens to take the pledge to not litter and to dispose of it properly.”
The list of community partners participating in the pledge includes La Palmera Mall, Del Mar College, the Regional Transit Authority, the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, Stripes, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and the Texas State Aquarium.
“The La Palmera Shopping District is proud to partner with the city on the Leave it Better CC campaign,” said Amanda Sanchez, assistant general manager for La Palmera and The Shops at La Palmera. “You can have the best shopping, the best food, the best of anything – and if the area isn’t kept looking neat and clean, customers, including tourists, will go elsewhere.
The mall has posted numerous "Leave It Better Than You Found It" signage at both La Palmera and The Shops at La Palmera.
The partners and their employees began the process by taking the “Leave It Better” pledge. To help maintain their pledge commitment, these companies are putting up signs, posters and banners throughout the work place as constant reminders of how they are helping to make Corpus Christi the cleanest city on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Pledge participants are also eligible to win prizes like ice chests, lunch bags and tumblers.
To become a pledge partner or to sign the pledge, visit leaveitbettercc.com. For more information contact Solid Waste Operations Program Outreach Coordinator, Celina Ybarbo Pulcher at (361) 826-1655 or at Celina@cctexas.com.
