Showing Our Deep Appreciation

Showing kindness and appreciation are among humanity’s greatest gifts. These are actions that do not require you to go to a store (or order something online), nor do you need to wrap it or make sure you have the right size. Nope, showing kindness and appreciation are things that require something as easy as opening your mouth and saying “thank you.”

I know that you may not hear it enough for the good work that you do for your communities, your agencies, your firms, or yes, even the time you dedicate to your professional association. So, I know that the SWANA Board of Directors, along with our dedicated staff all would want you to know how much we appreciate what you do each day.

Many of you know that this is Waste and Recycling Workers Week. This is the one week of the year when we thank all who keep our neighborhoods and streets safe and clean each day. They all make our lives better.

If you go to wasterecyclingworkersweek.org, you can read about the activities we can all participate in to make sure that those involved in waste and recycling know that they really are appreciated.

It can be as simple as what I am doing this evening which is placing a “thank you” sign on my trash receptacles that I am rolling out to my curb. For those of you who work in facilities that focus on waste collection, recycling, and landfill, announce this special week and thank those who are on the frontlines.

Many of us have told our children, “If you don’t have anything nice to say to someone, then don’t say anything.” When it comes to Waste and Recycling Workers Week, it is just the opposite—we have lots to say to those who protect, preserve, and make our communities better because of the work they do.

So go ahead, take part in this special week, and thank someone special for the incredible work they do. Here’s the thing, sharing our appreciation with waste and recycling workers isn’t something that should only be celebrated one week a year—these important men and women who work in these jobs don’t work for just one week a year, they do it all year long. Think about that. Then go out and say “thank you” to these very special colleagues.

I hope you have a great week. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for me, please feel free to email me directly at ryep@SWANA.org.