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In honor of National Arbor Day and Earth Month, Befesa Zinc Metal (formerly American Zinc) and local volunteer-based Keep Rutherford County Beautiful (KRCB) gathered together to pick up litter and beautify the grounds and surrounding area of Befesa. They planted trees, weeded the front beds, and picked up 18 bags of litter along with pallets and other large objects from Befesa's grounds and community roads.
KRCB, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, the nation's largest community improvement organization, leads multiple green programs and initiatives throughout Rutherford County. Their goal is to give the county a cleaner, greener, more sustainable and more beautiful future. They encourage local businesses to sign their Green Promise and become a part of their Green Business Program, an initiative that ensures businesses are making an effort to comply with environmental regulations in the areas of waste, energy, water, pollution prevention, and air quality. Throughout Earth Month, they have led many green initiatives and programs, including their annual community Spring Litter Sweep.
Befesa Zinc Metal has taken the initiative to lead by example and partner with KRCB throughout Earth Month. They sponsored a King chess piece in KRCB's life-size, upcycled chess game in Kiwanis Park in Rutherfordton, as well as donated to KRCB's annual Green Scholarship for Rutherford County graduating seniors looking to pursue a degree with an environmental focus.
William White, Environmental Compliance Manager of Befesa Zinc Metal, says, "I am proud to say that KRCB and Befesa have joined forces to keep the community clean, with a shared commitment to environmental responsibility and community outreach. This partnership is an integral part of both organizations' goals, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to a community that has been so supportive of our efforts. Together, we are making a positive impact on our environment and strengthening our community."
Befesa has done litter pickups in the past in the surrounding area of the facility, located off US 221 near the State Line, and it is getting cleaner every year. Their commitment statement is "Befesa C.A.R.E.S:" Comply with laws, regulations, and orders. Achieve continuous improvement. Reduce pollution. Excel in environmental performance. Sustain the operation.
"As a leader in the production of zinc metal from recycled materials," says Kobus de Wet, General Manager and Vice President of BZM, "Befesa is proud to participate in the beautification of Rutherford County. The work that Jenna [KRCB) Executive Director] and the KRCB team does, makes a major difference to the community and to our employees. We look forward to participating in future events."
Arbor Day is a day dedicated to planting trees. In addition to cleaning up litter, volunteers planted three trees on Befesa's grounds as well as tended to the garden at the facility's entrance.
Clark Poole, KRCB board member, said, "Keep RC Beautiful Committee has focused on gathering litter to make our county more visibly beautiful and it is much appreciated. It doesn't only mean that we pick up trash, but we respect each other, we love each other, and we hope for the best for each other. We hope for those that are in our family, and those that are just visiting. Because we are family. The tree is a symbol of so many things - it is a symbol of life. It takes in carbon dioxide and puts out oxygen, a requirement for breathing. Do you remember when you were a child, and in the quiet and peace of the forest, and how nice and peaceful it was to hear a squirrel, or a bird? That kind of quietness and peace is what happens when we respect one another, love one another and accept one another."
Jan Nedbal, Environmental Manager of BZM, says, "Arbor Day was a great opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and serve the beautiful community Befesa calls home."
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all involved, says Bailey. This would not be possible without the support of the KRCB Committee, along with the initiative taken by Befesa Zinc Metal and their team to be a green example for other businesses.
KRCB began as an Earth Day litter pickup in 2016 and has transformed into a movement throughout Rutherford County, North Carolina. Neighbors, industry leaders, business owners, school systems and municipalities have joined forces to change the way we define community. Now an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, KRCB leads multiple green programs and initiatives including litter sweeps, their annual Green Scholarship, their Green Business Program along with environmental educational outreach to county schools. Together, we are taking action to love where we live, work and play.
To keep up-to-date with KRCB events and volunteer opportunities, visit KRCB Facebook page @KeepRCNCBeautiful, IG page @keeprcncbeautiful, or email @keeprcncbeautiful. Learn more about KRCB's green initiatives on KeepRCNCBeautiful.org
