2: Speak Up

"2: Speak Up - If you see something you think might be pollution - from trash dumped in a park to foamy scum on the surface of a river - notify your local government or environmental agency. Perhaps someone else has already pointed it out, but it's far better for the problem to be reported twice than not at all."


From: 1,001 Ways To Save the Earth, by Joanna Yarrow


Do you know where to report a pollution problem in your community?

I do.  Find out, and keep that information on your fridge.

If you live in Okaloosa County, call 850-651-7400.

That's the direct line for the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office. You can then ask for environmental enforcement. "The deputies deal with a wide spectrum of environmental enforcement including: abandoned cars, run down buildings, illegal dumping, poaching, and watching the local logging operation" (OCSO).


Would you know pollution when you saw it?

I'm going to be on the lookout, and you should too.

"Special wastes" include tires, appliances, rubble (construction debris), yard waste, recyclable items, used oil and can be disposed of free or at a reduced rate at certain locations in the county.

"Household hazardous wastes (HAZ-MAT) " include pesticides, batteries, used oil engine, degreasers, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, solvents, brake fluid, stale gasoline, anti-freeze, paint, pool chemicals, paint thinners, insecticides, paint strippers, spot removers, furniture polish, fluorescent bulbs, tar, and oil filters.

I didn't know all of those. Did you?

We already recycle our batteries and CFL's, although we did recently switch to rechargeable batteries, we do still have some of the old-fashioned kind lying around. It's so easy to recycle them, there's no reason to. Check out our battery recycling kit!

We got ours from ThinkGreenFromHome

Then, of course, there is noise pollution and litter.



The enviormental enforcement department at the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office recomends, "Watch what you buy. Read labels. Choose the least toxic. Think about the disposal requirements for the leftover product. Plan ahead. Buy exact amount as needed, use it all immediately, don't store it. Always look for newer, safer alternatives. Avoid product loyalty toward any hazardous project" (OCSO).


How clean is your community?

Check out your community's pollution scorecard by typing in your zip code at Scorecard.

Let me know the results.