[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 182 (Friday, November 16, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H9542]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          MAKE SOIL, NOT SMOKE

  (Mr. NEWHOUSE asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, every year, the Environmental Protection 
Agency honors students across the country for outstanding leadership 
and environmental achievements with the President's Environmental Youth 
Awards. Among this year's winners is Mr. Anderson's first grade class 
in Okanogan, Washington.
  The students at Virginia Grainger Elementary School were recognized 
for their project titled ``Make Soil Not Smoke.'' The class created a 
school garden and learned about the benefits of composting leaves 
instead of burning them. They decided to use their project to spread 
awareness about the benefits of composting and the harmful effects of 
burning leaves.
  Their project is important to a community that has experienced 
firsthand the destruction of wildfires. As excitement for the project 
grew, the community joined in by donating compost materials, garden 
tools, and worms for vermicomposting.
  In one year, Mr. Anderson's students have created over 200 cubic 
yards of garden compost. They use demonstrations, a parade float, and 
booths at State fairs and farmers markets to continue spreading 
awareness.
  Please join me in recognizing the outstanding work the Make Soil Not 
Smoke group is doing for their community.

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