We consider ourselves lucky to live in the Lowcountry where we’ve got access to an incredibly unique stretch of coastal wilderness—and it’s our team’s mission to love and protect these waterways.

This past July, Free Fly chose to sponsor a one-mile stretch of road in our own backyard, starting at the Ben Sawyer Bridge and ending at the water tower just off Jasper Blvd. on Sullivan’s Island (one of our favorite local beaches). Through the Adopt-A-Highway program, our team will be responsible for five clean-up efforts every year to pick up trash and keep the roadside area clean—eliminating unwanted items from getting into the marsh and waterways.

On August 27th, Free Fly spent about 2 hours cleaning up our one-mile stretch of road and filled a total of 19 garbage bags. It was an awesome, fulfilling morning and the team had a good time getting outside and out of the office—despite the August temps (which are no joke in Charleston).

On October 25th, we held our second clean-up event—and managed to collect 18 bags worth of trash.

Eventually our company name, Free Fly Apparel, will be posted on an official sign along the road. We like to think of it as a fun little nod from everyone here at the brand, and a friendly reminder to keep our waters clean, so that you and future generations can keep enjoying them. 

If you see us donning our neon orange vests on the side of the road next time, give us a holler!

Learn More About the
Adopt-A-Highway Program

With Marlo Shedlock, County Coordinator for Community Pride

How are you connected to Adopt-A-Highway?

Community Pride is the organization responsible for managing the Adopt-A-Highway (AAH) Program for Charleston County. And I'm the County Coordinator for Community Pride, so I run the Adopt-A-Highway program for Charleston County. We only have one staff (me) and I rely exclusively on volunteers to help keep our roadways litter free, as there is no taxpayer funded litter crew in South Carolina. All state-managed roadways (SCDOT) are available for adoption.

What is the Adopt-A-Highway mission?

The mission of AAH in Charleston is to keep our Lowcountry litter free. Our state and local governments do not have the financial resources available to clean up the litter on our roadways. Our wonderful volunteers are invaluable to keeping our state clean. Clean communities are safe communities. Clean communities are good for tourism, our seafood industry, and economic development. Clean communities are a source of pride for all of us who call South Carolina home.

Are there any facts and figures you could share with us to highlight and speak to the impact that you have in the Lowcountry?

In 2023 volunteers removed 44,593 lbs of trash from our roadways and marshes. Volunteers kept track of the type of litter removed, and plastic was the most commonly found item. Most plastic products are made from petroleum and these include polyethylene, PVC, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, nylon and acrylic. The types of litter volunteers found most often (in no order) were as follows: Plastic food wrapping, plastic building materials, plastic car parts, cigarette butts (made of plastic), plastic drink bottles, and finally Styrofoam (all types).

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Local to South Carolina? Check out PalmettoPride and learn more about how to get involved in keeping our beautiful state litter free.