My past job with Clemson University had me wearing several hats, one being the Keep America Beautiful Director in Kershaw County, South Carolina. Among my many duties, environmental education and anti-littering programs took top billing. The reason I bring this up is as I run I have noticed many countries with no litter or as I like to refer to billboards, LITTER ON A STICK.

I have been impressed, especially in the Ireland, Wales, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Austria and French countrysides where no litter was seen on roadsides or litter on a stick to hide the natural beauty of the areas we have been running to and through. Taking personal responsibility of not littering our roadsides, rivers, streams, parks has nothing to do with how much one has in his or her pocketbook but with an understanding that we are guests on earth for only a brief stay and to relish and protect this special gift we have been given.

Many of us take advantage for instance of our lakes and lake islands to swim, fish, boat, camp but in the process leave our trash behind. Having access to clean water means taking care of it. When one treats Mother Nature , our environment in a trashy way, terrible things are bound to happen. Drinking water for one will become inaccessible. This has happened and continues to happen in many parts of the world. Unacceptable!

It has been such a relief to run without seeing trash, seeing gas guzzling vehicles, horizons being obscured by litter on a stick, high rises taking top billing over tree laden landscapes and yes, quietness.

Don't get me wrong, there are places where littering is still very apparent but in most places the residents take a unique pride in their turf. Also, paper is not used in stores. You bring your own reusable bag or tote goods out in your pockets and hands. Trucks are covered so loose items do not get thrown out. This is a major cause of littering in some areas back in the states.

The moneys raised by the BPR will go toward projects aimed at giving access to safe drinking water projects. There are many that have already been instigated and making a positive difference in the lives of people. I will speak of one upstart program in the West Bank Region in my next blog. There have been many successful programs, especially where I come from that can be "stolen shamelessly" by simply going on the internet. Many of these would be a great fit with safe drinking water projects or extensions to these projects.

To mention a few; Pontoon Classroom Why Water Youth Project, Beyond the Eye of the Beholder Water Quality Program, Blue Sky Below my Feet program and on and on.

These are tried and true water projects that get people involved in solving their own water needs through networking with others in the community, universities, and local agencies, but most importantly having the locals find their own solutions and helping provide funding through foundations like BPR, to reach their water quality needs. A 'learning by doing' process.

The heart is the measure of our energy, our courage, our intuition, our love for our planet. It is the measure of our days, of what we have done, will do, of who we are.

Protect what is yours. Your water. Instigate your own 'Garbage Grabbin', Litter Picken' Trash Tournament" in and around your local water body and more. Beauty has nothing to do with the pocketbook.

Peace and blessings.