PALS Visits Tuscaloosa Co. School

PALS (People Against A Littered State) presented a litter education program for students at Lake View Elementary School in Tuscaloosa County. Jessica Thomas, teacher at Lake View, invited Mary Stanford, PALS Clean Campus Coordinator, to speak to students about littering. Mrs. Stanford said littering can cause both environmental and health problems, for instance, when toxic chemicals end up in the storm drains. Also, debris on roadways causes about 25,000 wrecks across the country each year and more than 80 fatalities.

PALS’ educational program focuses on changing littering behaviors. PALS’ passion is to raise awareness about the litter problems at school and the surrounding communities. Some thought-provoking questions were raised. For example: Why do students litter? What would help students litter less? How can students reduce their litter? After these questions were answered, students learned about the 3R’s: Reuse, Renew, Recycle.

Activities on being an Environmental Detective were given to everyone, along with a PALS litter bag and a tally sheet. Everyone was excited and wanted to be involved any way they could. PALS also has Adopt An Area and Adopt A Mile programs. If your school would like to get involved, please contact Mary Stanford, PALS State Clean Campus Coordinator, to reserve a date by emailing her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or calling (334) 224-7594.