- Organization Name:
- Wastewater Education
- Describe your creative piece – what is it and what has it been used for, and why is it innovative?
- Our organization serves one of the most water rich areas in the US - the northwest portion of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. In trying to reach home owners and those in the construction trades on the importance of proper installation of wastewater systems (to protect groundwater and storm water run off) we became a non profit affiliate of our Home Builder's Association Grand Traverse Area. Every June HBAGTA hosts a Parade of Homes. This print piece, for the Parade Tour Guide, was designed to a) make a point, b) let our region know who we are and what we do, c) let people know about our upcoming 2010 education programs. Protection of water quality crosses many disciplines and regulatory jurisdictions - but the ultimate responsibility lies with the individual. (Stock images courtesy of JupiterImages)
- What issue or problem were you working to address with this piece?
- Last year, a song created by one of our elementary school programs included the line "if you walk 8 miles in any direction, only in MI you'll find, clean fresh water in need of protection." The message we hoped would strike home with this piece is that whenever you pull the plug or flush a toilet it finds its way back to our watersheds, inland lakes and streams. Using water comes with a price tag both to the pocket book and our environment.
- How has your submission successfully impacted your organization’s ability to solve this issue/problem?
- At the time of submission this piece hasn't appeared in print - but when it does it will reach over 20,000 people and help us and our water education partners to spread the USEPA's simple message that clean water starts at home. By 2013 EPA estimates over 31 states will experience seasonal or permanent water shortages. Even here in NW MI, potable drinking water can be difficult to find. Our organization works to educate and raise awareness from the grass roots up.
