OUR TURN: Support programs that preserve the environment

Though Earth Day was April 22, residents should work hard every day to protect the fragile environment of the Highland Lakes.

There are several opportunities for neighbors to accomplish this; no one has to wait for a special day to help clean up their world.

For starters, recycle.

Check with your local municipality or trash service to see what programs they offer. Humans produce an amazing amount of waste — tons of the stuff each year — in the form of plastics, cardboard, cans and even discarded foodstuffs.

The last one, of course, can be turned into compost for a home garden, yielding fresh fruits and vegetables. Nothing is more appetizing than biting into something delicious you have grown yourself.

The cans and plastics can be left in recycling bins during trash pickup. Allied Waste in Marble Falls offers such a program. Unused cardboard can be returned to packing centers, where someone else can benefit from it.

Too many newspapers lying around? Then stop by the home office of The Daily Tribune, 1007 Ave. K in Marble Falls, and toss those bundles into the recycling bin on the north side of the building.

See? There are plenty of ways to protect the environment, and they take little time or effort.

Area governments are also pitching in.

If you hurry this morning — Saturday, May 1 — a household recyclables collection is taking place at the Burnet County Fairgrounds, 1301 Houston Clinton Drive in Burnet. The facility is located off U.S. 281 South behind the airport.

The second event is May 8 at the Marble Falls irrigation field near the former Colt Elementary School, 1800 Colt Circle in Marble Falls.

The Lower Colorado River Authority had conducted these type of collections for several years but discontinued them for budgetary reasons.

Organizers received a grant to help cover the costs, and the LCRA offered its expertise. And every incorporated city and the county government is now taking part.

The collection is called a BOPA for batteries, oil, latex paints and antifreeze.

Organizers have added tires and some electronics, but will not take toxic items or oil-based paints.

The event is open to residents of Burnet County and Horseshoe Bay, but they need to bring a form of identification or proof of residency.

For more information, call (830) 693-4060 or (512) 715-3215.

If that’s not enough, there is one other effort under way that, while not strictly a form of recycling, still contributes to the cycle of life — and puts goods on the shelves of a Marble Falls food pantry.

A community garden — called Sweet South Gardens — located at 1351 FM 1980 just south of Sweet Berry Farm is sponsoring a seed-swap program that will grow food for the Helping Center of Marble Falls and other local food pantries.

Organizers give seeds to donors with a commitment from the recipients to either donate produce to the Helping Center and/or give back some seeds.

The program is promising because it means the Helping Center will have fresh produce. Meanwhile, the practice promotes the establishment of local gardens.

These are all worthwhile programs.

Do your part to preserve the environment. Our children and our children’s children deserve a healthy world in which to grow up.

The Daily Tribune editorial board includes Dan Alvey, Amber Alvey Weems, Thomas Edwards, Daniel Clifton and Chris Porter.