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(Houston) The Honey Brown Hope Foundation's "No Trashing Trash Workers" campaign, in partnership with City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department and Frost Bank, will recognize outstanding sanitation workers as part of the "Waste and Recycling Workers Week" celebration, observed from June 17-24.
The observation of “Waste and Recycling Workers Week” and the acknowledgment of waste and recycling workers from each of Solid Waste Management’s six service areas will be held during the City Council Meeting June 27, 2023 at 1:30 pm.
The "No Trashing, Trash Workers!" campaign, an initiative of the Honey Brown Hope Foundation's "We Love America Healthy and Clean" program, aims to raise awareness about the invaluable contributions of waste workers and inspire communities to show gratitude to these essential individuals. This year, the City of Houston’s Solid Waste Management Department is joining forces with the campaign to educate the public about the vital services its employees provide every day.
Mark Wilfalk, Director of the Solid Waste Management Department, encourages communities to join him in recognizing sanitation service providers not only during Waste and Recycling Workers Week but throughout the year.
"The work carried out by our team has a far-reaching impact on the daily lives of our community, yet it often goes unnoticed," said Wilfalk. "We encourage everyone to join us in recognizing and appreciating the irreplaceable role performed by these dedicated environmental stewards."
During the City Council Meeting and at separate celebrations across the city, six staff members (listed below) will be recognized by City Council, Solid Waste Management, and the Honey Brown Hope Foundation for their exceptional service.
- Carlos Auston
- Patrick Burleson
- Derick Daughtry
- DeAndre Huddleston
- Mark Lewis
- Leo Williams
"It is my distinct pleasure to acknowledge the selfless and unwavering commitment exhibited by the distinguished men and women in our Solid Waste Management Department who ensure that sanitation services protect and maintain the well-being and cleanliness of our communities," stated Councilmember Martha Castex-Tatum. "As Vice Mayor Pro Tem and Council Member of District K, it is my honor to urge every resident and local business to actively engage in expressing gratitude and appreciation for the outstanding men and women serving in our Solid Waste Management Department."
Solid Waste Management Department’s contributions are essential to maintaining a high quality of life for everyone, emphasized Tammie Lang Campbell, Executive Director of the Honey Brown Hope Foundation.
“By nurturing a sense of environmental stewardship in youth and families, we have come to intimately understand the critical role that solid waste workers play in preserving our planet for generations to come.” stated Campbell. “From protecting public health to carrying out physically demanding tasks and maintaining the cleanliness of our neighborhoods, these unsung heroes truly deserve our heartfelt appreciation for their invaluable service."
What can communities and individuals do to help and honor waste and recycling workers? To honor and support waste and recycling workers, people can engage in various acts of gratitude.
- In-person expressions of appreciation include writing thank you notes, offering tokens of appreciation, giving cold bottles of water on hot days, waving to garbage truck drivers, displaying heartfelt messages of gratitude on garage doors, or simply saying "thank you" in person.
- Digital expressions of gratitude can be shared on the "No Trashing Trash Workers" digital KUDOS BOARD (https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/PVQiVw5i) or through social media posts using the hashtags #NoTrashingTrashWorkers and #WRWW.
Join us in showing respect and appreciation to those who work tirelessly to make our community healthier, safer, more comfortable, and of higher quality for all.
About Honey Brown Hope Foundation
The Honey Brown Hope Foundation is an award-winning 501(c) 3 non-profit that works from the schoolhouse to the jailhouse to offer programming, resources and support aligned with its causes – civil rights and environmental stewardship. For over a decade, the foundation has been at the forefront inspiring change through its award-winning "We Love America, Healthy, Clean and Green" calendar and related programming. The initiative’s most notable recognition came in 2019 when it received the Mayor’s Proud Partner Award in partnership with Keep Houston Beautiful. With strategic partnerships across community-based organizations, schools, corporations, and media, the foundation aims to close the growing gaps in environmental literacy and empower young change agents to adopt sustainable and healthy behaviors. Through its programmatic initiatives, the Honey Brown Hope Foundation remains committed to creating a "Healthy, Clean and Green" America by fostering an appreciation for people, the planet, and diversity. For information please visit, www.honeybrownhope.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter.
About Solid Waste Management Department
The Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) provides solid waste services to the citizens of Houston through the collection, disposal and recycling of discarded material in a manner that is safe, efficient, environmentally sound and cost-effective.
For more information about SWMD and our services, visit us at www.houstonsolidwaste.org, “LIKE” us on Facebook at @houstonsolidwaste, follow us on Twitter @HoustonTrash. Download our app HTX Collects on Google Play or IOS Store to Never Miss an Update again!, Call 3-1-1, the City of Houston’s Customer Service Helpline.