Environmental ideas to participate in during September

  • Published
  • By Janelle Broach
  • Malmstrom Scout leader
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  We have all been captivated with our children's stories of mishaps and achievements on the first day of school. They may find themselves disoriented in the hall, losing their lunch sacks with tears in their eyes, and to their greatest surprise, saying the pledge of allegiance without missing a single word. As they fall into their academic routines in the next month, September is also a great time month to embrace some observations dedicated to protecting the environment.

 National Land Care Week is September 6-12. Protect our rivers, streams, ponds, parks, mountains, trails, bush land, coastal areas, wetlands and others. For more information on how you can be involved in caring for our land, search the Internet for ideas.

 Clean up the World is the third week in September. This is a worldwide movement for positive change for the environment. We are being held accountable for our actions and applying a long-term commitment in "cleaning up the world," whether it is a walk in the park and picking up ones trash or donning waders to gather debris, it is our responsibility to maintain a vigorous and healthy planet. For more info on how you can make a difference, please search the Web or visit your local library.

 September 16 is International Day for Preservation of the Ozone Layer. In 1987, representatives from 24 countries announced to the world that it was time to stop destroying the ozone layer. What can you do to help? Stop purchasing items with CFC's. To learn more about CFC's, go to www.ciesin.org/TG/OZ/cfcozn.html.

 September 22 is World Carfree Day. This day is celebrated nationwide in cities and towns. You will find streets closed to cars and open to bicycling, walking, jogging and skate boarding. For learn more, go to www.worldcarfree.net/wcfd/.

 September 22 is also World Water Monitoring Day. This is an outreach program that builds public awareness and involvement of protecting such a vital resource in our lives. For more information, go to www.Worldwatermonitoringday.org.

 September 25 is International Coastal Cleanup Day. Three months ago, we all watched as oil leaked into the Gulf of Mexico. People's livelihoods were at stake, loggerhead turtles sought refuge, and pelicans felt relief when oil was washed from their wings. As humans, we feel compelled in helping this particular region. For more ideas in how you can lend a hand, please search the Web.

 September 25 is National Public Lands Day. It is a day of recognition for the nation's largest hands-on volunteer efforts to improve and enhance public lands. Volunteers are encourage to spend time outdoors and improve their lands, whether it is a favorite hiking trail, a neighborhood pond or a national park. For more information on Malmstrom's events, contact Jason Gibbons at 731-6333.