During the month of June, Keep Liberty Beautiful (KLB) celebrated both World Ocean’s Day and Pollinator Week by educating residents about the importance of clean water and Pollinators. This helps inspire community action to protect our local waterways and our little friends. Through educational programs and outreach activities, more than 269 students and 38 adults learned about water conservation, pollution prevention, and the critical role clean water plays in sustaining healthy communities, wildlife, and ecosystems.

Every drop of water matters. The choices we make each day impact not only our families and communities but also our rivers, marshes, oceans, and the wildlife that depend on them. Education and volunteer action are powerful tools for protecting our water resources for future generations.

As part of the celebration, dedicated volunteers participated in waterway cleanups throughout Liberty County at Riceboro Boat Ramp, Jones Creek Park, Sunbury Boat Ramp, Bryant Commons Park, and the Eve Park Pavilion/Half Moon area.

These cleanup efforts were about much more than removing litter. Volunteers helped prevent 1,567 pounds of litter from entering waterways and harming wildlife. Residents can also plant native wildflowers, create rain gardens, or install bee hotels to support pollinators. Keep Liberty Beautiful provided all cleanup supplies, and volunteers received KLB T-shirts as a token of appreciation.

Over 900 pollinator kits were distributed, encouraging community members to grow wildflowers that support pollinators and local food production.

While Earth appears to have an endless supply of water, only a small percentage is available for human use. Water is one of our most valuable natural resources, yet thousands of gallons are wasted every day through leaks, inefficient practices, and unnecessary use. By making small changes at home, everyone can help conserve water and protect this essential resource. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs offers the following water-saving tips:

Around the house

• Reuse water whenever possible. For example, use fish tank water to nourish household plants and gardens. It contains nutrients that can act as a natural fertilizer.
• Check your home for hidden leaks. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the readings differ, you may have a leak.
• Repair dripping faucets promptly. A faucet that drips once per second can waste more than 2,700 gallons of water annually.
• Insulate water pipes to reduce the time it takes for hot water to reach faucets and showers.

Laundry room tips

• Wash only full loads whenever possible and adjust water levels according to load size.
• Consider purchasing a water-efficient washing machine when replacing older appliances.
• Front-loading washers generally use less water than traditional top-loading models.

Kitchen conservation

• Limit the use of garbage disposals, which require significant amounts of water to operate. Consider composting food scraps instead.
• Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator rather than running the faucet until the water becomes cold.
• Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator instead of using running water.
• When washing dishes by hand, fill a basin with soapy water and rinse efficiently rather than allowing water to run continuously.
• Run automatic dishwashers only when fully loaded and choose models with water- and energy-saving features.

Bathroom water savers

• Check toilets for leaks by adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl within 30 minutes without flushing, a leak may be present.
• Consider installing low-flow toilets, which can significantly reduce indoor water use.
• Avoid using the toilet as a trash can. Dispose of tissues and other waste in a garbage container.
• Install low-flow showerheads to reduce water usage.
• Take shorter showers. Try a “Navy Shower” by turning off the water while lathering and turning it back on only to rinse.
• Fill bathtubs only one-third full to reduce water consumption.
• Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, washing your face, or shaving.

Protecting water resources starts with simple actions at home and in our communities. By conserving water and preventing litter from entering waterways, we can all help ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.

For more information about water conservation programs, pollinators, and volunteer opportunities, contact Keep Liberty Beautiful at (912) 880-4888, email klcb@libertycountyga.gov, or visit Keep Liberty Beautiful.