Wal-Mart welcomes spring with clean water education
Head to Wal-Mart in Wentzville. The store has teamed up with the city of Wentzville to inform residents about storm water pollution and how to prevent it.
The program is the first of many future public education programs from which residents can learn more about clean water and water quality, said Bill Bensing, Wentzville public works director. They're part of the phase two requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program, which was established under the authority of the Clean Water Act. The regulation requires municipalities with populations of less than 100,000 that operate a storm water sewer system to develop, implement and enforce a program regarding storm water management.Wal-Mart will kick off the effort this weekend during its grand opening of spring lawn and garden season, said Jannette Nolen, the store's community relations coordinator. Upon arrival, customers can receive pamphlets about how and where to recycle. Inside the store, a television will play a video informing customers about the environment and what to do to help future generations. A number of environmentally friendly products will be on display, including:
> organic plant food;
> recyclable computer paper;
> concentrated laundry detergents;
> non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products; and
> organic cotton wipes for infants.
Free barbecue, nacho chips and soda will be available in the parking lot.
Grand opening celebrations only last through the weekend, Nolen said, but the video and pamphlets will stay for some time. That's because the store is committed to making a true difference, she said.
"Wal-Mart wants to take a leadership role and get out in front to make a difference that is good for our business and the world," Nolen said.
Bensing said the city hopes to participate in similar programs with many more businesses in the future.
