What do the local authorities do to protect our region?

1. What do the local authorities do to protect our region?

2. We live in the region of Zakliczyn, which represents a really beautiful and unspoilt area. Zakliczyn and its neighbourhood are located between forests, on foothills, so the views surrounding the place are breath- taking. Every year, lots of tourists visit our picturesque land. Holiday- makers can take leisurely strools, breathe fresh air and spend their free time in the bosom of nature. They choose these villages because the environment is not as polluted here as in other parts of Poland.

3. Unfortunately, the pollution is increasing. In this situation, it is important to find out how the issue of the environmental protection is taken into consideration not only by the inhabitants but also by the local authorities. We went to the Commune Office of Zakliczyn to check how it works in practice. After the interview with the person who deals with such issues, we found out that they have carried out different programms, which might protect and improve the condition of our environment. Here are some examples of such activities:

4. In 2008, the authorities covered a significant part of expenses related to the solar batteries installation. Everybody could fill in the relevant application and then enjoy saving money as well as natural resources such as gas, coal or wood.

5. Annually, the authorities organise the special collection of big-sized rubbish. People have the opportunity to get rid of used or broken furniture, appliances, tyres, etc. Thanks to this action, the rubbish will not land up in the so called „wild rubbish dumps” and they will not be harmful to the environment. ( This year, the collection took place on 21st of May). Moreover, all year round, special bins for batteries are located in the Commune Office, schools and shops with electrical appliances. What is more, almost in every school, there are bins for litter segregation. It is one of the forms of launching the programme called „Thinking about tomorrow, let’s segregate today”

6. In 2004, the rubbish dump in Charzewice was closed. The authorities decided to create green areas there. One thousand one hundred and seventytrees and four hundred shrubs were planted in that place from 2004 to 2010. • As required by the local authorities, every household must be equipped with a dust bin. Otherwise, they will be fined. • Pro-ecological meetings are organised at schools each year to show the inhabitants how to segregate rubbish and how dangerous it is to burn plastic or rubber waste.

7. The Zakliczyn area lacks well – developed sewage systems. Only 24% of its inhabitants use it. However, there is another way of removing this kind of waste. The programme, the goal of which is to build domestic sewage plants, is being introduced. As we have learnt, sixty eight families have joined this project. Eight sewage plants have been installed so far which is very beneficial for the environment. Moreover, these ecological facilities make the Zakliczyn area look better.

8. One of the major problems connected with the environment is creating so called „wild rubbish dumps”. Every year, the authorities try to remove them, although this process is very expensive and requires lots of work. To make matters worse more and more wild dupms are appearing. Nevertheless, our authorities do not give up: In 2007 – twelve wild rubbish dumps were removed In 2008 - the process was slightly less successful- only ten dumps were destroyed. The year 2009 was the most successful so far- they removed as many as twenty six wild dumps!

9. What can we do to protect the environment in our region every day? Although our local authorities do their best to protect the Earth, we should not forget about our daily contribution to the problem. It is us that harm our natural environment by abusing natural resources as well as taking advantage of technological inventions. That is why, there are a lot of simple things we can do in our everyday life to protect our planet and our health. They seem to be small and insignificant, but performed by a large number of people, they would mean a lot.

10. Putpaper, glass, plastic, metal and general waste into separate bins. Provide separate recycling bins at home, at your school or workplace. One bin should be for paper,another for organic waste, the next one for plastic containers and the fourth one for cans and bottles. Make and displaya poster explaining what goes in each bin to ensure that everyone understandshow to use the system properly. • Buy less packaged items and takeaways.

11. Use paper wisely: Think about whether you need all the paper you use.Look at using recycled paper and print or copyon both sides of the sheet.Perhaps documents can be distributed by e-mail or through the Internet instead ofbeing printed. Editing can be done using the word processor on the screen. • Plant trees or grass to reduce areas of exposed soil: this prevents soil and fertilisers from being washed into waterways. • Don’t wash your car on the lawn or the pavement in order not to pollute the waterways or soil- take advantage of special car washes. It costs some money but it saves the environment. • Plant native trees and shrubs along riverbanks: they will protectwater quality and improve wildlife habitat.

12. Leave Your Car at Home -change your driving habits and you will make an immediate impact on the environment. Take short trips on foot or by bike instead, and you'll also make an immediate impact on your health. • Slip Into Something a Little More Healthy- according to the World Wildlife Fund, perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) used on some clothes to help keep them wrinkle-free can be toxic to the environment and have also been linked with health concerns including cancer. Choosing more natural fabrics is a greener approach, however, not all natural fabrics are eco-friendly ; growing cotton, for instance, can require heavy pesticide use. Look online for specialstores in your area that sell clothes made from fabrics produced using the least amount of harsh chemicals like organic cotton, wool, or silk. This will maximize your contribution to the environment and minimize your exposure to potentially toxic chemicals.

13. Choose Locally Grown or Organic Food -fruit and vegetables are often shipped hundreds of miles or more from other states or countries before they reach your supermarket, which means they may have been picked weeks before you eat them. However, if you buy locally grown products from farmers, the food is likely to be freshly picked. You'll also have the chance to ask the farmer if the fruitand vegetables are organic, or if any pesticides or other chemicals that could pose a danger to the earth, or your health, were used.

14. Clean Up Your Water and the Environment-according to Consumer Reports, you can find a variety of water filters that remove common contaminants. Experts recommend Brita water-filtering pitchers because the used filters are recycled. • Use compact fluorescent light bulbs - it is true that these bulbs are more expensive, but they last much longer and they can save energy and in the long term your electricity bills will be reduced. • Donate: for sure you have tons of clothes or things you want to get rid of. If they are still usable, give them to someone who needs them. You may also choose to give them to different charity organisations. These associations may sell them and collect a little money. Not only will you protect the environment, but you will also contribute to a good cause.

15. Turn off your electrical appliances: when you do notwatch TV, turn it off. Turn off the light when you leave a room (even if you intend to return.) It's an easy habit which will help you save a lot of money and electricity. • Detergents: follow the recommended dose of detergents to wash your clothes or dishes. • Leaky faucets: repair leaky faucets at once- otherwise they will cause a significant increase in your water bills. An average of 120 litres of water can be wasted due to a dripping faucet. • Rainwater: take advantage of rainwater. This water can be used for different purposes.

16. "The quality of your life can improve, you can save money with green living choices, and you can protect the health of your family," says CrissyTrask, the founder of Greenmatters.com and the author of It's Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living. You can start making easy yet meaningful changes in your life as early as today.