TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– The “Society of Trash Baggers” started as a Facebook group in Terre Haute. Several years– and nearly 2,000 online members– later, they hosted their first official meeting at the Vigo County Library on Saturday.
The meeting included about two dozen people, including several elected officials. Member Jennifer Mullen said much of the meeting was spent discussing potential solutions to trash problems around the area.
“The main things were just how many pieces of litter we are dealing with, which feels like millions every year, how many bags of trash we’re getting, what are the problems and how can we be more proactive,” she said.
She said she thinks it starts with education.
“I think the primary thing we talked about today was how can we educate younger people,” she said. “Maybe work with Rethink, Inc. or some other people in the community, and get it in the schools at an early age, and try to get these sticking points early on in little kids’ minds and get them thinking about how we shouldn’t litter, and how it hurts the environment when we do.”
Elected officials on hand– including Vigo County Commissioners Mike Morris and Mark Clinkenbeard, as well as Terre Haute City Council President Curtis DeBaun– all expressed satisfaction during the first meeting as they hope to address resident concerns going forward.
Mullen said anyone interested in participating in future meetings or events should stay tuned
