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Its tea time, and we've gathered recent news and
current events that are meant to inspire and enjoy.
This week we discovered three very clever and environmentally
conscious girls. Sometimes its O.K. to question a rule that seems
wrong, even if everybody is doing it.
Texas Trio
Says Don't Be Crude!
 By
Todd Abraham of Purple Mountain Press
Source: purplemountain.com
VICTORIA COUNTY, TX—Kate Klinkerman’s teacher told her class to
be aware of everyday things that could harm the environment. Kate
paid attention. One day she noticed something.
“It was common for people in this area to pour oil on the weeds
to kill them,” said Kate, 15. “It contaminates the groundwater.
We have our own wells out in the country, and the fluids can actually
get into our drinking water.”
Kate and two friends decided to give farmers in Victoria County,
Texas, a good way to get rid of used motor oil. The girls formed
a project called Don’t Be Crude.
Kate, Barbara Brown, 15, and Lacy Jones, 16, began the program
as sixth-graders. They researched the problem. They found a company
that would accept the fluids. Then they won permission from their
county government to start the project.
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"It was
common for people in this area to pour oil on the weeds
to kill them."
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They set up recycling centers in rural areas around
the county. Farmers drop off used oil in nearby centers instead
of driving into town. So far more than 30,000 gallons of fluids
have been recycled.
The trio has won many awards for their work. One was the 2001
Environmental Protection Agency Presidential Youth Award. The
girls met President George W. Bush and took a tour of the White
House.
“It was very neat,” Kate said. “I still can’t believe I got to
meet the president. He was very personal and even asked us about
Texas.”
The girls want to teach others about recycling and taking care
of the Earth. They sponsor contests in their community. The girls
have spoken to more than 50 audiences. They often talk to students
in schools.
“Young kids are the best people to talk to,” Kate said, “because
kids will talk to their parents.”
source Purple Mountain Press
purplemountain.com
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