Green teens

Local teens prepare for a cleanup project in Asotin.

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Story Published: Jul 13, 2008 at 11:00 AM PDT

Story Updated: Apr 29, 2009 at 1:08 PM PDT

By Hayley Guenthner

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ASOTIN - The sun isn't the only thing making area beaches sparkle this summer. Some local teens are doing their part as well.

A teenage litter crew is all over Asotin County picking up trash. They spend their time combing local parks, beaches, and highways for waste and recyclable materials. Ecology Youth Corps Supervisor Allen Hancock says the crew is working hard.

"They've completed nine days of litter pick up,” Hancock said during a recent inteview. “They've picked up 55 miles of road shoulder, with over three tons of litter picked up, and a little less than half of that has been able to be recycled."

Hancock says the teens have covered plenty of ground, including Wawawai, Steptoe Canyon and Highway 12. He says although every area they clean is important, the sandy shores stand out the most.

"The beaches could be picked up every single day and there's always more the next day."

Hancock says the crew has removed a diverse amount of hazards from favorite swimming spots. In addition to broken glass and pizza boxes, the teens also hauled away a surprising and heavy load.

"A pile of nails that was scooped up off the beach,” said Hancock. “Where the high water would come up and wash out some of the old fire pits where people had been burning pallets. In about three minutes, there were about 20 pounds of nails there."

15-year-old Nicole Hough of Asotin says she enjoys the satisfaction that comes with the job.

"Just knowing that I'm picking up garbage and making it clean. Now people can go to beaches and have a good time without there being garbage everywhere."

Hancock said the effort doesn't just benefit beach goers. He says clean neighborhoods reflect positively on local cities and bring new faces to the area.

"It otherwise wouldn't have been picked up,” he said. “It really helps out the community. It makes the people passing through see a much nicer area and makes them want to stay for more recreation.

Hancock urges all motorists to use extreme caution when the orange "Ecology Youth Working" sign is present.

Applications for next summer's slots will be available at the start of the school year and anyone interested should contact their school counselor.

The state is helping fund the program.

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