Cobb needs your help to "go green." The county has accepted a challenge by the National Association of Counties to see which counties in the country can encourage the largest percent of residents to "Change the World" and to "Drive $marter." Counties will compete July 1 2009 – November 1 2009. You can help Cobb beat other counties by taking two pledges:

• Pledge 1: Change the World – Help save energy in your home by pldging to take a few simple steps such as changing a light bulb or properly programming home termostats. Take the pledge online at greencounties.org/changetheworld.
• Pledge 2: Drive $marter Challenge – The average American household spent $3,400 to fuel its vehicles last year, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. High gas prices also raised prices on many other necessities, including food, clothing, home cooling and heating, and building supplies. We have the power to combat higher gas prices, decrease air pollution and greenhouse emissions and improve our national energy security. Take on this challenge at drivesmarterchallenge.org.

Three winning counties (one each from a small, medium and large county) from this year’s competition will receive a $5000 grant.

The ECCC PTA Environmental Education Chair would love to have volunteers to help her in this year’s expansion of promoting a healthy environment. If you have a passion for a healthy environment as well, please contact Irene Barton at enviroed@ecccpta.org.