DURANT, Okla. (KTEN) – Environmentalists in Oklahoma engaged residents in a panel discussion to solicit ideas and suggestions for sustainably improving Texama.
We provide expertise in water, energy and conservation resources to help protect Texama’s environment.
“What do we have and how can we use it? How much do we have? How much do we have? How long will it take to use it all up?”
Ty Baker, of the Choctaw Nation, said water quality is a topic people are discussing and the panel event is educating people on how water quality works.
“Most people don’t even understand where their water comes from. It comes out of the Buckle-Simpson Aquifer, spreads over the surface as stormwater, and then runs off into rivers and streams,” he says, “and then eventually gets treated and used. Understand that what you’re doing at home is impacting your water.”
The panelists answered people’s questions about recycling and sustainability education.
Oklahoma Energy and Environmental Protection Secretary Ken McQueen believes this point has been overlooked.
“Properly dispose of used prescription medications instead of flushing them down the drain, as they have a negative impact on wildlife,” he said. “Recycling a 12-ounce soft drink can uses only 10 percent of the energy it takes to mine bauxite and refine aluminum. It’s a simple, understandable step we can all take,” McQueen said.
Panelists said people’s sustainability ideas and questions will help leaders improve, enhance and protect Texama’s environment sooner before it’s too late.
