Our History

Our History

Keep Odessa Beautiful began its campaign to promote public awareness, environmental improvement, and education programs for litter prevention in 1985, the primary beneficiaries being the residents of Odessa & Ector County.  In addition, programs have been put into place focused on tourism & economic development in hopes of attracting new persons and being visually impacting as well. Since then, our organization has steadily evolved to become affiliates of both Keep Texas Beautiful since 1994 and Keep America Beautiful since 1988.   Initially named the “Clean City Consortium” through the Chamber of Commerce Clean City Committee, the early objectives consisted of event planning, memberships & fundraising, communications & education, volunteers, and operations.   Later, the consortium was renamed the “Greater Odessa Litterbusters” and in 1988, became incorporated as a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.  Finally, in 1994, the name was changed to Keep Odessa Beautiful and remains the current name. Our mission has consistently and effectively addressed the safety & health of all citizens, and promoted public education on the importance of minimizing solid waste by encouraging all citizens to Refuse, Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle.

Mission

The mission of Keep Odessa Beautiful is to empower the citizens of Odessa by providing ongoing education; and available resources with the support of partnerships to reduce waste, promote cleanliness, and beautify our community.”

Goal

Our goal is to educate the public on the importance of proper waste disposal, waste reduction, and the conservation of our natural resources by encouraging the public to reduce, reuse and recycle. We promote and coordinate litter prevention programs and events in the community to inspire cleanliness and community pride! We support beautification by planting trees, flowers, plants, shrubbery, and the use of our native landscape by encouraging the public to Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle.
  • Recycle - Convert used materials into something new (plastic, paper, cardboard)
  • Reduce - Change the way we think and reduce the amount of waste we produce
  • Repurpose - The use of something other than its original intended use by modifying to fit a new use
  • Reuse - Reusing items and or materials as much as possible

Vision

Be part of the solution to make Odessa a better place to live, work and play!

Values

  • Opportunity
  • Dedication
  • Enhancement
  • Sustainability
  • Service
  • Awareness