On Monday, Amerex team members rolled up their sleeves and teamed up with the Cahaba River Society for a cleanup day along Shades Creek Parkway in Vestavia to kick of Earth Week! The effort brought together not only Amerex employees but also other local businesses and community members, all committed to protecting one of the area’s most scenic natural spaces. Volunteers collected litter along the walking paths and waded knee-deep through 3 miles of the creek to retrieve trash from the water. Items found included tires, footballs, cans, plastic bottles, chairs, and mattresses—though the most common item was plastic grocery bags.
After several hours of hard work, the team took a short break before beginning the task of sorting the waste. Trash was separated into recyclable materials and landfill-bound debris, and volunteers were also given an educational overview of the local salamander population and ongoing conservation initiatives to preserve the ecosystems these creatures depend on. In total, the group collected a staggering 1,986 pounds of trash, with a significant portion able to be recycled or reclaimed.
The day ended not only with a sense of accomplishment, but also with a deeper awareness of how small, everyday choices can impact the environment. “After putting in so much effort to clean up such a beautiful area, it’s hard not to reflect on what else we can do,” said one team member. From reducing plastic use to rethinking the need for single-use items, the experience sparked conversations about personal accountability and sustainable habits.
Amerex was proud to sponsor the event and even more proud of the employees who gave their time and energy to make a difference.