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Green Is The New Black. Did you resolve to “Go Green” in 2010? Our natural resources attract newcomers and drive growth in the Greater Charleston area, so it is important to preserve and keep these resources abundant and beautiful. Want to keep up with green news in the Greater Charleston area? For the latest news on green activities and legislation, green organizations and business, where to buy locally, and information on recycling and sustainable living., visit www.gogreencharleston.org
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Make every day Earth Day! “Local communities can do much to reverse environmental degradation and contribute to building a healthy society by addressing issues such as water quality protection, energy use, transportation, waste prevention, and litter control,” said Mayor Swails. Tips you can use to make every day – Earth Day!
• Home composting and recycling help reduce garbage loads to the landfill and incinerator. Less garbage and trash to collect means fewer dump trucks on the street.
• Make sure you take care of your lawn and home responsibly. Do not let grass clippings, leaves, fertilizers, pet waste, and automotive fluids go down the storm drain.
• Mark your storm drain. We have a program to mark storm drains with a long-lasting decal that has a “no-dumping” message. Contact the Stormwater Office at 856-2157.
• Plant a rain garden using native plant and install a rain barrel to harvest water for irrigation. Install a pervious-paver driveway instead of a concrete one. We want to capture and re-use our rain run-off instead of flushing it and pollutants down the creeks.
• Changing out your light bulbs? Need new batteries? Your old products and most of these new energy-efficient products need to be recycled or disposed off in special ways. Check with your local hardware store or Charleston County Recycling at 720-7111 to find appropriate drop-off sites.
• Litter is a recurring problem. Adopt-a-Highway program is always looking for more volunteer groups. The Town offers supplies to smaller groups who would like to clean up roadways. Contact the Stormwater Office at 856-2157.
• Pick up your pet’s waste and dispose of it (in a bag) in your garbage can. We supply most Town parks with pet waste pick-up bags. Help prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses into our waterways!
• Plant a tree (native species are better). Trees help provide shade to our homes (reducing energy costs), they drink up extra rain water, clean the air, help prevent erosion, and provide wildlife sanctuary.
• Go electronic and refrain from printing everything you see on line!
• Take a walk or ride a bike, help the environment and your waistline at the same time.
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Locomotives Are Going Green Thanks to a $105,000 grant from SC DHEC and a funding match by the South Carolina Public Railways, two locomotives are being retrofitted to burn cleaner diesel fuel, which translates to cleaner air in and around Charleston! “By making that burn leaner and cleaner that reduces sulfur oxide emitted from smoke,” said Jeff Davis, COO of the South Carolina Public Railways. It is a significant reduction considering the amount of work the engines put in as they move cargo around the port facility. The retrofitting was a voluntary effort on the part of the South Carolina Pulblic Railways, one that’s being commended by DHEC. Keep reading...
