D5 awarded the Adopt-A-Highway Group of the Year Award for Southeast Idaho to J. R. Simplot Company and employees on Friday morning during the board meeting held in Pocatello.
The Simplot team has adopted a section of U.S. Highway 30 from milepost 330 to 332 since 2005. On average, 37 Simplot employees work together twice a year to pick up more than 1,600 pounds of litter. Items they’ve cleaned up have included car hoods, magazines, clothing, and a full box of “creepy-faced” baby dolls. Environmental Specialist Jeanene Lowry and Environmental Manager Jesse King were there to receive the award.
We asked them to answer a few questions to provide us with a view of the program from the point of view of volunteers. Here are their answers.
Why did you decide to participate in Adopt-A-Highway:
The idea to participate in Adopt-A-Highway came up during a Waste Minimization Committee Meeting. Jason Smoot (Production Supervisor), one of our Team’s founding members, observed trash along the side of the road driving to work that day. He was REALLY bothered. Jason said he felt like the roads outside the facility reflected Simplot’s commitment to the environment. An idea was presented to adopt the stretch of highway in front of our plant, and it was immediately accepted with a unanimous vote! IDT helped us through the application process, and we were proud new AAH , members shortly thereafter in 2005.
Is there a funny story you have regarding your group out picking up litter:
We had a Department Manager (retired), that we had tirelessly harassed about always seeming to have a “work emergency” on Highway Clean-Up days (that kept him from attending). One time he finally made it…10 minutes into the clean-up he stops, picks up a bottle, and in total disbelief states… “now, who would throw away a perfectly good bottle of Gatorade…,” opened it and pretended to give it a good swig. We all had a great laugh… It was a story he loved to tell until the day he retired.
Why do you continue with the AAH program:
Probably because we would have a complete employee revolt if we stopped. Ha! In all seriousness our employees love the highway clean-up events! It amazes me every time how many people come out to support this great cause. It’s especially meaningful because you see employees from every level of the Simplot ladder participate. And, while we love to do it because it keeps the plant looking great and the teamwork development…the real secret sauce is: 1) great snacks! 2) 10- point Sustainability coins (Thank You Plant Leadership Team! And, 3) Roy Rupp’s, must be experienced, pre-clean-up safety tailgates!
Is there anything you want us to know about your group in regards to AAH:
Yes, we would like to thank the ITD, and all program administrators, which have made this program possible. The Adopt-A-Highway Program has enriched the Don Plant. The laughter and camaraderie that we have developed while picking up trash, has had a lasting and invaluable impact on our employees. We have found the highway clean-up program to be a natural team-building activity that has positively impacted every aspect of production. It has given our Waste Minimization Team additional purpose and focus, especially in support of our ‘think outside the plant’ stewardship and sustainability goals. Our Highway Clean-Up events are scheduled in conjunction with/highlights of National Pollution Prevention Week in the Fall, and Earth Day in the Spring. Thank you for sharing the Adopt-A-Highway magic!