Earth Day
Make Every Day Earth Day!
 
There are lots of ways for you to become involved. What's your Interest?
     
Air Quality

DHEC’s Lawn Mower Exchange Program partners with local governments for citizens to exchange gasoline-powered lawn mowers for electric-powered ones. Results from 2008 exchange events showed lawn mower emissions reduced from this program were equal to reducing 7,000 pounds of air pollutants.

Many homes may have problem from naturally-occuring radon gas. Radon testing is easy, inexpensive and only takes a few minutes. Radon test kits can be purchased at home improvement stores or from a certified radon tester. Free test kits can be ordered from the Radon Hotline at (800) 768-0362.
Business and Industry

DHEC’s Center for Waste Minimization provides free waste assessments to help facilities prevent pollution and minimize their waste, and businesses can focus specifically on recycling efforts through the Smart Business Recycling Program.

Help air quality and learn how your company can “Take a Break from the Exhaust”

Companies can join in the “green” effort through the S. C. Environmental Excellence Program (SCEEP). The program encourages companies to be environmental leaders by committing to practice pollution prevention and resource conservation.
 
More information on Earth Day activities and environmental programs can be found at www.scdhec.gov/earthday.
Recycling
DHEC's Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling will help you find the specific recycling information you need.
     
Water

DHEC has partnered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program to educate homeowners about water efficiency. Ask about the WaterSense label when shopping for water and money saving faucets, toilets or other home fixtures. To learn more, visit the link above or call (803) 898-3542.

South Carolina's coast can be spoiled by debris material. To help kept the coast clean and healthy, coastal residents get involved in DHEC’s Marine Debris Initiative
     
K-12 Education

On Earth Day, teachers and students will tune in for education and fun watching the enviornmental education video, “Eco-Jeopardy.”  The video will be broadcast on S. C. ETV at Noon and 5 p.m. April 22. The game-style show targets fourth to eighth-grade students.

Champions of the Environment has awarded over $10,000 to students and teachers for environmental action and awareness projects.

The B2, or Breathe Better program provides information on ways to reduce harmful vehicle emissions around school campuses.

Teachers bring environmental lessons into the classroom with DHEC’s award winning curriculum, Action For A Cleaner Tomorrow.