ALDERSGATE GARDEN CLUB — Charlotte Scott, who served as hostess for the September Aldersgate Garden Club meeting, portrayed “Ninnie Litter” and provided information on litter and recycling.
The meeting was called to order by Billie Blair, vice president. Barbara Brown gave the devotion followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Scott presented an informative program on litter — waste products such as containers, papers and wrappers disposed of without consent.
Throughout human history, she said, people have disposed of unwanted materials onto streets, the countryside and remote places unpunished. Waste was disposed of on the roadside or in small local dumps.
In addition to intentional littering, the Wikipedia Encyclopedia says almost half of litter on U.S. roadways is now a result of accidental or unintentional litter — debris which falls off improperly secured trash and recycling collection vehicles and pickup trucks.
Litter can harm the environment when it becomes a breeding ground for disease-causing insects and rodents and damages the appearance of the environment. About 18 percent of litter — usually traveling through stormwater systems — ends up in local streams and rivers.
Cleaning up litter in the United States costs hundreds of dollars per ton. Litter in the U.S. is an environmental issue and is often an offense punishable with a fine set out by statutes in many places. Litter laws, enforcement efforts and court prosecutions are used to help curtail littering.
Scott displayed an educational board on Litter and Recycling. She portrayed herself as “Ninnie Litter,” and discussed ways to save the planet, as well as how aluminum cans are recycled. Aldersgate Garden Club members collect and recycle aluminum cans from their homes, family and friends. Information on local recycling centers was provided to the members. She also provided trash bags and gloves as door prizes.
Blair reminded members of upcoming activities including the 100 Black Men Health Fair, the District III Board Meeting and the Fall Membership Meeting on Oct. 28 at the Mountain City Club in Chattanooga.
Regenia Piersaul thanked the hostess. Others attending were Kay Cox, Barbara Ector, Cynthia Humes, Dorothy Keith, Margenia McKissic, Joan Steward, Charlotte Timberlake, Lelia Ware and Jackie Westfield.
