The American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (AS-EPA) is commemorating its annual Environment Week, which started Oct. 27th - 30th. The theme of this year’s Environment Week is “Keep American Samoa Beautiful” (KASB), which was chosen because it recalls and celebrates the year-long KASB program that was implemented on November 3, 2013.

AS-EPA established the KASB program to address the constant presence of litter along the roadsides, inside of streams, on coastal areas and public places. The goal and objectives of KASB is to create public awareness of environmental problems caused by littering, encourage behavioral change and instill a sense of pride and ownership within our community.

Today, the KASB program consists of families, non-profit organizations, church and youth groups, individuals, companies, schools and government departments who spearhead clean-ups in some of the most littered areas on island.

AS-EPA Director Ameko Pato said, “I would like to thank all of our volunteer groups and adopters for not only spearheading cleanups but also promoting behavior change and empowering others to take part in cleaning up our island. Their attitude and passion for the environment is contagious and has encouraged others to partake in these activities. It is important to understand that changing people’s behavior towards littering will come with time and we are doing everything in our capacity to find ways to deter people from littering.”

Pato added that the purpose of the KASB initiative is to reinforce the importance of the environment in our daily lives and to reiterate the significance of our role as a community to be responsible residents in taking care of the environment.

AS-EPA would also like to thank the local business community that have generously supported the KASB program, by donating some of the items that were needed to assist with the clean-up efforts.  These businesses are ACE American Industries, Young Mart, TSM Mart, Stevens and Sons, Inc., Locally Yours By Alice, KS Mart, O&O Enterprises, Aveina Brothers Inc., and All Star Signs and Graphics.

The environmental department would further thank all their ASG partners: American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA), Department of Youth and Women Affairs (DYWA), Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR), Department of Public Works (DPW) and Office of Public Information (KVZK-TV) for their endless support.

Pato emphasized that “this is a community driven program and I respectfully call upon all village and church leaders, private organizations and families to take ownership of the program by continuing clean-up efforts in their respective villages.”

AS-EPA will implement an array of activities during Environment Week focusing on awareness, while educational outreach will be conducted in selected schools.

The director urges the community to work together in beautifying our environment and to change our mindset about littering. “Keeping American Samoa beautiful is everyone’s responsibility and it starts from individuals, our families, churches, villages and government,” Pato stated.

Source: AS-EPA media release