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We are the pollution solution
Keep Liberty Beautiful
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Water pollution. Just the words erradicate any thirst I had. In the next few weeks, as we gear up for waterway cleanups around our county, you may wonder why they are necessary. We have to do something to remove the tons of litter and debris that end up in our water. I don’t want to drink it. Do you?
In today’s society, we have a tendency to blame big companies and industries for all of our social and environmental problems. The reality, however, is that the greatest threat to the quality and health of our waterways is stormwater pollution. So, who is to blame for stormwater pollution or, as it is often called, nonpoint source pollution? We are — you and me.
When rain or water from irrigation systems flows over our streets and yards in town, it carries pollutants into the storm drains. These pollutants can be things like litter, cigarette butts, motor oil, pesticides or even pet waste — things careless people toss on the ground or down storm drains. The pollutants then flow directly — without treatment — into local creeks, streams, rivers and, eventually, to the ocean. Isn’t that a gross thought?
These pollutants significantly impact our water quality as well as wildlife and aquatic ecosystems.
Here is the good news: We can do something about this. We — you and I — are the solution to water pollution. Here are some handy tips from the Earth 911 that we can all use in our daily lives to reduce stormwater pollution.
Yard and grass clippings can reach local waterways when they wash into storm drains. Keep green waste out of storm drains. Try “grasscycling” or backyard composting. Grasscycling is the practice of leaving clippings on the lawn after mowing. The clippings quickly decompose, returning nutrients to the soil.
Backyard composting allows nature to break down green waste. When you mix grass clippings, weeds, trimmings and water in a bin, beneficial insects and microorganisms decompose the mixture into finished compost. It can be spread on the soil as mulch.
Fertilizers, which also are washed into drains and carried to our water sources, promote algae growth in waterways. When algae decompose, the oxygen levels in the water are depleted, which can be devastating to aquatic life.
When using fertilizers, follow application instructions, do not overwater and don’t apply it if rain is forecasted.
Pesticides we commonly used to maintain our lawns are toxic to the environment. Testing has shown that even small amounts of common pesticides may be lethal to animals. So try non-toxic alternatives for pest control. Never throw pesticides in the trash or into a storm drain.
Each year, more than 180 million gallons of motor oil are disposed of illegally by people who change the oil in their trucks and cars. Never put motor oil in the trash, pour it on the ground or dump it down a storm drain. Recycle it. Many local auto service businesses accept used motor oil.
And last, remember to properly dispose of pet waste. Waste can contain harmful bacteria and organisms that spread disease. Pick up pet waste, seal it in a plastic bag and dispose of it in a garbage can. Don’t ever hose pet waste into storm drains.

KLCB announcements that you can use to help save the environment:
• Saturday, Oct. 10: Annual St Catherine’s Island Beach Sweep We need boats and volunteers. Call today for information.
• Thursday, Oct. 22: Progress through People Luncheon. The program will address the impact of people on coastal waters. Call 368-4445 for reservations.
• Oct. 24: The annual Rivers Alive Cleanups in Liberty County.
• Keep your “butts” off the streets and sidewalks! Cigarette litter needs to be disposed of properly. For a free pocket ashtray, call 368-4888.

For more information on Keep Liberty County Beautiful programs, contact Swida at 368-4888 or klcb@coastalnow.net.
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Visit with children a real eye-opener
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One of my favorite activities as a state senator is when I get to speak to students at our local schools. This year, I spoke to third-grade students at May Howard Elementary and Marshpoint Elementary in Chatham County and Button Gwinnett Elementary in Liberty County.
The students from each of the schools had been studying civics and were familiar with the three branches of government — executive, judicial and legislative. I explained my role as a senator in the legislative process and told the children how the citizen legislature in the state of Georgia works.
Presenting each of the schools with a Georgia state flag, I explained the three principles for which the state flag stands — wisdom, justice and moderation — and had them recite the pledge to the flag with me. 
The students at all three schools were bright, respectful and well-disciplined — a tribute to their families and especially to their teachers, who had prepared the students for my visit with ideas for great questions.
The students in Ms. Hutchinson’s class at Marshpoint Elementary were impressive in singing the preamble to the Constitution during my visit. What a great way to learn such an important part of our nation’s history — another wonderful example of the great job our teachers are doing.
I was delighted last week to receive thank-you letters from some of the students. Here are excerpts from a few of their letters:
 
Dear Mr. Carter,
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to come speak to us. I learned so much! I learned that there are two kinds of Pledge of Allegiances. That is pretty cool.
Do you travel all over the world do you? I really like that you taught me more about the three branches of government.
— Megan
 
Dear Sen. Carter,
Thank you for telling us about your job and your favorite thing about your job. I liked the Georgia state flag. I still have more questions. Do you have to work on Saturday and Sunday? Are you the only one who makes the laws?
Yours truly,
Ryleigh 


Dear Sen. Buddy Carter,
Thank you for coming and letting us have a little bit of your time. I want you to know that I learned something new. The Georgia pledge! Justice, wisdom and modesty! Thanks again!
— Liam
 
Dear Sen. Buddy Carter,
Thank you for coming and helping us learn more about the government and some of your job. Thank you for giving us a Georgia flag. It was fun when you came. Thank you for giving us some questions so we could answer them.
P.S. Did you ride in a limousine? I was going to ask you a question but then I forgot. But now I remember. How many rooms are there where you work? You can send me a note if you can.
Your friend,
Erin
 
I’m uncertain whether the students learned as much from me during my visit as I learned from them. One thing that I was reminded of was the honesty that comes from the innocence of childhood. I wasn’t quite sure how to interpret some of the questions, such as the one asked in this letter:
 
Dear Sen. Carter,
I loved your speech. Thanks for coming to our school. I think my favorite part was when we held the flag. It was so fun! I have a question: How many people voted for you?
Sincerely,
Shelly
 
I also was more than a little concerned about a recurring question in the thank-you notes that was posed to me during one of my visits by a beautiful, brown-eyed girl who, with a very serious look on her face, asked “Did you ever get re-elected be-fore?”


What a great group of young people! My faith and hope in our future has been reassured. What an amazing job our families and teachers are doing on a daily basis to support and encourage our next generation. Thank you for your dedication to teaching our leaders of tomor-row.

Sen. Buddy Carter can be reached at Coverdell Legislative Office Building (C.L.O.B.) Room 301-A, Atlanta, GA, 30334. His Capitol office number is 404-656-5109

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