Solution To Pollution

Pattaya Today...Acknowledgments and New Year’s resolutions

2012-01-31T19:37:00.000-08:00

January 27, 2011
Pattaya Today

The Pollution Solution Group would like to thank Pattaya City Hall, all of the local papers, TV and radio stations that have stood by Koto and his helpers all these years, assisting and acknowledging us in our efforts.

Together we have all made a difference in how people–Thai and farang, local and abroad–think about the dangers of litter, from our ongoing efforts, educating the unknowing, asking the uncaring to please refrain from leaving behind toxic cigarette butts which take up to 12 years to decompose, bottle caps, disposable lighters, plastic, Styrofoam and other non-biodegradable litter that can hurt children, wildlife, make ill or kill, contaminate our soil and waterways.

We have been cleaning Jomtien Beach, Dong Tan Beach, Pattaya Beach, Hat Nang Ram Beach and Sattahip, plus putting up posters in those and other areas in Thailand from Buriram to Chiang Mai for the past 11 years, usually seven days a week on Jomtien beach. Thailand has been affected by our walking the walk and talking the talk.

The New Year’s resolution that we would like to suggest to all that could change the world and one’s inner wealth is to take action. Understand how wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world, and be ashamed to die until one has won some victory for all living things.

Please take a little time out of one’s busy lives to give back to Mother Earth. Nothing is worth more then this day, each and every day.
Now is the only time there is.

Waster-Sizing is one way to stay fit, helping Mother Earth, earning inner wealth at the same time, all one needs to do, is go to a beach, lake, river, stream, creek, park, neighborhood, wherever. If you see anything that could be harmful to children, wildlife, soil or our waterways, take a few minutes, bend to pick up the waste, dispose of it properly and start getting rid of both waist and waste.
Please remember storm drains carry our life’s blood (water) to our oceans, lakes, rivers, streams and creeks.

“Packing out what one packs in” is showing love and concern for all living things, removing litter that another left behind, is going the extra yard and gives one priceless inner wealth, that must be earned, can’t be bought.
We are all in this neighborhood together.

Again we thank Pattaya City Hall, local newspapers, TV specials and radio for assisting us through all the years past. Also the many Thais and farang who have helped us remove litter and have donated baht for posters and dog food, hopefully they, as we, will continue for years to come.

Today is the first day of the rest of our lives, let’s all reach out for our home, Mother Earth.

What A Wonderful World...David Attenborough...BBC

2012-01-15T10:27:00.000-08:00

The Green Thing...How Wasteful the Older Generation Was

2012-01-15T10:24:00.000-08:00

Pattaya Mail...Thank You City Hall

2012-01-14T20:49:00.000-08:00

Pattaya Mail
1-13-2011

Editor;

It had been quite sometime since the Pollution Solution Group replaced the old posters and removed the staples on Pattaya Beach. All of the beach-chair vendors were very happy to see us, as they all wanted the new posters in their place of business.

We want to thank Khun Umnat Chobthum, Chief of the Natural Resource and Environment Promotion Subdivision at Pattaya City Hall; Khun Apichart Puetpan, Deputy Chief Administrator, Pattaya City; and Deputy Mayor Verawat Khakhay.

Without their help many things we do would not be possible. They and others at Pattaya City Hall have been assisting us for many years, along with Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and too many others to mention.

It has been a priceless honor to serve them and the King.

We wish them all the best for the New Year.

Thank you

Gerry T. Rasmus

Beach Protector Thanks Supporters...In Pattaya Now Opinion Letter from Pollution Solution Group

2012-01-05T09:26:00.000-08:00

January 5, 2011
In Pattaya Now

Sir,

The Pollution Solution Group would like to thank Pattaya City Hall, all of the local papers, TV and radio stations that have stood by Koto and his helpers all these years, assisting and acknowledging us in our efforts.
Together we have all made a difference in how many people, Thais and foreigners, local and abroad think, about the dangers of litter; our ongoing efforts attempting to educate the unknowing, asking the uncaring to please refrain from leaving behind toxic cigarette butts, bottle caps, disposable lighters, plastic, styrofoam and other, non-biodegradable litter that can hurt children, wildlife, make ill or kill, contaminate our soil and waterways.
We have been cleaning Jomtien Beach, Dong Tan Beach, Pattaya Beach, Hat Nang Ram Beach, Sattahip, plus putting up posters in Thailand from Buriram to Chiang Mai for the past 11 years, (mostly 7 days a week on Jomtien beach). Thailand has been affected by our walking the walk and talking the talk.
The New Year’s Resolution that we would like to suggest to all, that could change the world and one’s inner-wealth, is to understand, to take action, how wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. Be ashamed to die until one has won some victory for all living things.

Please take a little time out of one’s busy life to give back to Mother Earth, nothing is worth more than this day, each and everyday. Now is the only time there is. Waster-Sizing is one way to stay fit, helping Mother Earth, earning inner-wealth at the same time. All one needs to do, is go to a beach, lake, river, stream, creek, park, neighbourhood, wherever. If you see anything that could be harmful to children, wildlife, soil or our waterways, take a few minutes, bend at the waist to pick up the waste, dispose of it properly and start getting rid of both (waist and waste).
Please remember Storm Drains carry our life's blood (WATER) to our oceans, lakes, rivers, streams and creeks.
"Packing out what one packs in" Is showing love and concern for all living things, removing litter that another left behind, is going the extra yard and gives one priceless inner-wealth, that must be earned, can't be brought.

We are all in this neighbourhood together.

We thank the many Thai's and foreigners that have helped us remove litter and have donated baht for posters and dog food, hopefully they, as we, will continue for years to come.

Kapun Krup, Mahalo Nui Loa, Thank You Very Much. The Pollution Solution Group
Gerry Rasmus aka KOTO

A Thai Documentary about Gerry Rasmus and his devotion to Mother Nature

2012-01-03T16:59:00.000-08:00

Scroll down and click on my photo to watch video

A Thai Documentary about KOTO and his devotion to Mother Earth

:: สถานีโทรทัศน์ไทยพีบีเอส - คลิปวีดีโอ ::

Pollution Solution Recent Photos

2011-12-30T08:59:00.000-08:00

Thank You from The Pollution Solution Group

2011-12-22T09:57:00.000-08:00

Aloha

It had been quite sometime since, The pollution Solution Group, replaced the old posters also removing the staples, on Pattaya Beach. All of the beach-chair vendors were very happy to see us, they all wanted the new posters in their place of business.

We want to thank Khun Umnat Chobthum, Chief of the Natural Resource and Environment Promotion Subdivision Pattaya City Hall. Khun Apichart Puepan Deputy Chief Administrator, Pattaya City
Deputy Mayor Weerawat Kahkai, Pattaya City.

Without their help many things we do would not be possible, they and others at Pattaya City Hall have been assisting us for many years along with Pattaya Mayor Ittiphol Kunplome and to many others to mention.

It has been a priceless honor, to serve them and the King.
We wish them all the best for the New Year.

Thank you
Gerry T. Rasmus aka KOTO

Donations Are Always Appreciated

2011-11-26T09:37:00.000-08:00

Aloha

Donations of any kind is appreciated. If you have the time and need to exercise our waster-sizing program is appreciated the most.

We would ask you to please go to a nearby beach, park, lake, river creek or just around your neighborhood and bend at the waist to pick up the waste, disposing of it properly, one will not only be making a difference in the safety of our children, wildlife and waterways, one will be getting their exercise, setting good examples for others a win, win.

If you don't have the time but also want to donate, feel free to send The Pollution Solution Group some money. With the money we will direct it to what you feel needs the most attention, we are doing several things.
We clean beaches, lakes, rivers, streams and creeks, removing man made dangers that can and do kill children and wildlife also contaminate our life's blood (Our Waterways) We also put signs on storm drains informing people not to throw anything into them in 3 languages, Thai, English and Russian with a picture that explains to all be it children or adults also handing out posters asking people not to litter or flick their "Toxic" cigarette butts that choke, make ill and also kill, children and wildlife along with contaminating all waterways.

We also feed and water homeless or lost dogs, putting mange medicine on the needed ones, finding ways to neuter or spay them, letting them live a free life and trying to find many of them a good home.
If you make a donation of any size or send us a picture of you removing litter or feeding a homeless dog, we will send you a frame-able certificate of appreciation.

We also want to wish you all. inner-wealth, health, happiness and inner-peace.

We use two banks.
Bank Of Hawaii
Gerry T. Rasmus, For deposit only
Acc#000-285424, RT#121301028
Lahaina Branch, P.O. Box 877
Lahaina, Hawaii, 96767, USA

OR

The Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited Head Office.
G.P.O. Box 15 Bangkok Thailand
S.W.I.F.T. SICOTHBK
By Telex 20142 SIAMIBD TH. 20455 SIAMFX TH. 20492 SIAMBNK TH.
Drawn on The Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited For Chomthian Branch
Gerry Thomas Rasmus, For deposit only
Acc# 626-220772-9

Email: pollutionsolutionthailand@yahoo.com

Solution To Pollution Thailand sharing a good story

2011-11-14T10:19:00.000-08:00

Aloha Editor

The Pollution Solution Group is again very happy to share a good story due to the fact that, there is so many sad stories of late.
We are responsible for what happens to Mother Earth...
So it is our duty to protect her.

Aloha

Escaping the flooding in Korat, these 2 young ladies, Som 8 and Pop 6 with their family's, came to Jomtien and were on Jomtien Beach the 9th of November.

While playing on the beach they saw The Pollution Solution Group, removing Toxic Cigarette Butts, Bottle Caps, Plastic, Pointed Bar-B-Q Sticks, Camera Batteries along with other Litter also feeding and watering the friendly, homeless dogs and decided to help.

For the next hour, these caring and understanding young ladies assisted us.
We told them how much we appreciated their help and to be sure to wash their hands after, we gave them some literature to bring back to their school, when it is safe to return.

We are always very impressed when children want to help. Most adults, Thai's and Farang's just look on. One would think that when children reach out to make a difference, Adults would also want to set examples, showing their concerns for Mother Earth and wanting to leave her a safer place for the Young, Wildlife and Waterways. Elders need to "wake up" and play a major part in showing concern along with getting some "needed" exercise.

We are offering Thai's and Farang's a chance to join the Nifty Over 50 Club (Waster-Sizing) and allowing younger people to also join. All one needs to do is come to the Beach, Park, Lake, River, Creek, Neighborhood or wherever litter is, Bend at the Waist to Pick Up the Waste, getting rid of Both, it is called Tam Boon and Exercise at the same time, a Win, Win making a difference, setting examples and enhancing ones Inner-Wealth. We don't need no stinkin gym.

Show The Pollution Solution Group pictures of your concerns and good deeds by email or in person and we will give you a Frame-able Certificate of Appreciation.

pollutionsolutionthailand@yahoo.com
Everyday should be Earth-day as Mother Earth gives us daily life.

"The Life Of The People Is In The Land"
"We should All take care of her"

Thank You
Gerry Rasmus aka KOTO
Keeper Of The Ocean

Storm drains

2011-09-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

September 23, 2011
Pattaya Mail

Editor;

We here at the Pollution Solution Group wonder why the storm drains are “always” left full of garbage and when storms, expected or not, come, and they always will, many of the storm drains will plug up from the garbage that is tossed or swept into them.

Other litter finds their way thrown onto our roads, streets and walkways, from the rain or wind and for some reason (duh) they start to back up and flood, before they can reach the ocean. This floods our streets, homes and businesses causing unnecessary traffic problems, in some cases injury, sending polluted water everywhere causing infections, colds, much misery and much expense for ground level families and businesses.

We have been asking city hall for “years” to please get a handle on the storm drains, starting with stenciling, imposing fines and having them pumped out in heavy foot traffic areas “monthly” where many people throw, dump or sweep their litter into them. There are way too many that do.

We are not saying that this would stop the flooding, we are saying there would be much less of it. Water would not be as contaminated, not as many homes and businesses would be affected, roads more passable, infection and other types of sickness less likely.

Storm drains are for “Rain Water ONLY”. Way too many people either don’t care, don’t know better or are just too lazy to dispose of their litter properly. Fines and signs should be the first steps and of course talking to schools, and placing more garbage cans.

We are allowing our lives to be very effected by not taking care of our storm drains.

“Water” is our life’s blood, storm drains are the arteries that carry it to our ocean, lakes, rivers, streams and creeks. We are allowing them to be contaminated daily, and we wonder why Mother Earth is acting up.

Thank You

T P S G

Gerry Rasmus aka KOTO

Pattaya People Newspaper...Gerry Rasmus writes Blowing Against The Wind

2011-08-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

Pattaya People Newspaper

Pattaya People 8-20-11

Gerry “Koto” Rasmus in Thailand—Keeper of the Oceans—on RodMcNeil.TV

2011-07-04T11:32:00.000-07:00

June 4, 2011http://rodmcneil.tv/video/gerry-koto-rasmus-in

Gerry Rasmus is referred to respectively as Koto, a well-earned moniker standing for “Keeper of the Oceans.” His longtime volunteer efforts in keeping Jomtien Beach clean near Pattaya, Thailand were inspired by the near death of a young girl. Also in this episode, learn about “Wastercise” and other life, nature, and animal-saving measures undertaken by this noble fellow in this episode of Rod’s program.

From Bangkok to Jomtien Beach

2011-07-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

Friday, 01 July 2011 From Issue Vol. XIX No. 26
Editor;

The Pollution Solution Group had the honor of meeting 2 lovely smart young ladies on holiday from Bangkok with their family at Jomtien Beach, Sunday morning June 26.

Ms. Chalita Sangbhao, 10 years old, grade 4, was playing on the beach and saw the Pollution Solution Group removing dangers from the beach and water. She stopped playing and started to also remove things like plastic, styrofoam, bottle-caps, cigarette-butts, camera-batteries and other man made dangers that can kill, make ill or hurt children, sea life and contaminate our ocean. Then Ms. Fah, 6 years old, appeared and started to remove litter.

We gave both of them some literature and thanked them and their mother for their priceless help and how well she educated her children to pick up after themselves and others, making Mother Earth a safer, cleaner place for all to live. We wish more parents would teach their children the same.

The Pollution Solution Group

KOTO Keeper Of The Ocean

This article was published in the Pattaya Mail newspaper on Friday July 1, 2011 (Vol. XIX No. 26).

Blast From The Past...Hana/Lahaina/Lahaina Market Place

2011-06-28T21:28:00.000-07:00

Removing Dangers, Preventing Accidents

2011-03-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

Aloha

While The Pollution Solution Group was removing dangers from the Jomtien Beach we spotted a large log that had drifted to shore, realizing when the tide comes in, this very heavy log would go back out into the ocean becoming a dangerous drifting problem to jet-ski and banana-boat riders also all boats, if hit it could injure or kill someone.

We also realized it was way to heavy for us to remove, so by asking a few young men to assist us we were able to bring it to Beach Road by rolling it a little at a time, to be removed by the clean up crew.

The Thai people are always willing to reach out and give a hand and they make our job much easier.

Thank you Thai people after all "We are all in this neighborhood together"

The Pollution Solution Group
KOTO Keeper Of The Ocean
One day, one beach at a time, "With a little help from my friends"

The Pollution Solution Group...People reaching out

2011-03-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

Pattaya Mail...Mail Bag
March 18. 2011

Editor;

The Pollution Solution Group just wanted to share with your great newspaper a few pictures of concerned people that see us cleaning the beach and want to reach out and be a part of the solution, not the pollution.

The first 2 pictures are 2 lovely students from out of town, who took time from their holiday and picked up litter left behind by others. We thanked them and gave them literature to bring back to their school.

The father and son helped in the removal of the many toxic cigarette butts, bottle caps and pointed BBQ sticks.

After we explained to the father what we were doing and gave him some literature, he then explained to his son about 3 small dangerous things left behind by unknowing or uncaring beach-goers, 2 of them being toxic cigarette butts and bottle caps that can be ingested by a baby. He also taught his son how dangerous it is to step on a BBQ stick, and shared with him that babies up to 2 years old put whatever will fit into their little mouths. He said he wishes that people would be more aware.

The Pollution Solution Group always has literature that we freely pass out or give on request. Please leave only smiles, examples and footprints behind.

The Pollution Solution Group

KOTO Keeper Of The Ocean

Pattaya Times...Pollution Solution Needs you Help

2011-02-22T11:30:00.000-08:00

Pollution Solution Needs your Help
Siripun Sinbuathong 22.02.2011 03:53

The beaches are one of the attractions that draw millions of visitors every year to Pattaya. However, these same beaches are treated like a rubbish dump by many and the water quality is poor to say the least. The Pattaya Times wants to change this and through education and a lot of work we are aiming to make Pattaya recognised one of the cleanest beach resorts in the world within two years.

There are many causes that contribute to poor state of our beaches. One of the most common forms of litter on the beach and in the water are cigarette butts. Every butt that people flick on to the road ends up in the storm water drains and then into the ocean with many being washed back on to our beaches and others being swallowed by wildlife. Another problem is people treating the storm water drains as a sewer, pouring used oil, paint products, all sorts of rubbish and dirty dish water straight into the drains which then flows into the sea. During the past 8 years Gerry Rasmus,better known as "Koto" a Pattaya resident has been tirelessly working to keep Jomtien Beach clean. Seven days a week he can be found at Jomtien Beach at about 7am through to midday picking up litter. He does a great job,removing tonnes of rubbish every year from the beach. But he needs help, a lot of help as the task is massive.

One way people can help is to meet with him and give him a hand.He would be happy to receive help every day,every week or even if people can help out just once it all makes a difference. He currently has like minded people helping him out,both Thais and foreigners,but mainly Thais. He can always use more helpers. He also is looking for like minded people to take over other sections of beaches firstly and then other non beach areas to stop the rubbish from getting into the sea in the first place.

If picking up rubbish is not your thing but you still want to make a difference you can donate money to the Pollution Solution group.This money will be used for posters, laminating film, double sided tape, trash bags and other expenses. The easiest way to help out is to make sure all your rubbish is probably disposed of and if you are a smoker please use an ashtray. If everybody did this there would be no problem. Koto told the Pattaya Times, "It would be great if everybody took a little responsibility for their immediate areas outside their homes and businesses,and while out and about if they see rubbish just take a couple of seconds to pick it up. Apart from removing an eyesore much marine wildlife would be saved. Every item of rubbish removed potentially saves a life. Every item of rubbish incorrectly disposed of is a potential killer."

If you can help in any way please call Koto on 089-8977816 or visit the
Pollution Solution blog http://solution2pollution.blogspot.com/2008/09/help-us-to-prevent-beachpollution.html.

Koto, pictured, and Pattaya's environment need your help to clean up all the rubbish that ends up in the sea and on the beaches. Please dispose of all rubbish, including cigarette butts, into bins where they belong. If you can help out to clean the beach give Koto a call 089 897 7816.

Soi 3 Jomtien Beach...The Tough Get Going

2011-02-22T11:08:00.000-08:00

Soi 3 Jomtien Beach

When the going gets tough the tough get going.

Not an easy job, much hammering on the cement upright to brake it down, a beach chair vendor told me it's 2 to 3 meters deep, so I just beat the @# out of it, brought it way below the beach level, broke off the wires, covered it, did a small dance to pack down the sand and moved on to the also protruding fence post, beat it so bad I could pull it out, of course I dug some deep holes with both before I did my thing, maybe an hour of blood, sweat and no tears, some vendors that sell their wares stopped by, shook my hand and went their way.

Many people have hurt themselves quite badly on these two very dangerous post that were protruding a foot above the sand and when the tide is high, people don't see them, and they have been there for many years, a friend reminded me of them and the dangers.

The Pollution Solution Group

KOTO

I Often Ask Myself

2011-02-14T19:20:00.000-08:00

If it's not sand, crab, bird or a dog, (remove it)

I often ask myself.
Why do "some" of the people that make money from our beaches and ocean, do not care about tomorrow and leave a mess, to wash back into our ocean, to pollute, kill sea life and much of it to wash back up to our beaches at a different location, the next day.

I often ask myself.
How can "some" humans, Thai and Farang come to the beach, play or lay in litter, some with their children and also leave their litter behind when they leave.

I often ask myself.
Are most people so busy in their own little world, that they don't see or hear the cry of Mother Earth or the Voiceless, Children, Wildlife And Waterways.

I often ask myself.
Why aren't the people that litter fined? Why doesn't Pattaya City Hall do something to promote safety for our children, clean beaches for people to visit by having the toxic cigarette butts, bottle caps, camera batteries that can be and have been ingested by babies, fish, seabirds, plastic which is ingested by turtles and other sea-life and may become quite ill or die! Bar-B-Que sticks that are stepped on all of the time, injuring the beach-goers, removed by the beach clean-up crews that are seldom ever seen on the beach and when they are, rake sand over the dangers rather then removing them, taking only the harmless leaves and large trash, leaving it looking clean and safe, but more dangerous then before, for a unknowing baby to find dangers just below the sand that they find and put into their little mouths, or stepping on a pointed dangerous Bar-B-Que Sticks which are everywhere, sweeping things under the carpet is one thing, covering it with sand to be stepped on or found by a baby is another, "many" beach chair vendors, jet ski and boat people along with "most" of the beach clean up crew need to be reeducated on how to take care of our beaches and ocean.
Education, Education, Education.

I often ask myself
Am I the only one that cares!

Don't misunderstand me, "many" of the beach-chair-vendors, clean-up-crews, jet-ski and boat operators work very hard for many hours a day, but The Pollution Solution Group has been cleaning beaches longer them most have been alive and we know how to make a beach safe, clean and ways to bring more beach-goers to enjoy Thailand's beaches.

We are willing to talk to "all" that work on the beach on how and what to do to improve the safety and ways to increase the amount of beach-goers, all that needs to happen is that Pattaya City Hall has them "ALL" come to city hall and I will demonstrate simple daily methods on how to keep our beaches and ocean much, much cleaner then they presently are.

Waster-Sizing is the best way, one needs to bend at the waste to pick up the waste, sweeping sand over the waste is a waste of time.

The Pollution Solution Group
KOTO

Thai Immigration Office on Soi 5 in Jomtien

2010-12-27T19:06:00.000-08:00

Aloha Pattaya Mail

After going to the fairly new and used to be, beautiful Thai Immigration Office on Soi 5 in Jomtien, The Pollution Solution Group was shocked to see how un-kept the outside grounds were.

The parking lot and restaurant area was "full" of discarded cigarette butts, the plants were full of butts, empty cigarette packs, killing the plants, the entrance to Thai Immigration where there used to be beautiful plants, is now full of dieing un-watered plants and were also full of cigarette butts and other trash.

The Pollution Solution Group would like to think that this place, where all Farangs must go to be able to stay in the land of smiles, should be a place, where Thailand would want to set examples for visitors to their country, and to see how it should look and be taken care of.

1. Farangs having a little respect for the area.

2. One would think that whom ever is in charge of the outside area would take much better care.

Inside the Immigration Office has been and still is clean and well organized.

TPSG also after removing all of the butts and trash, installed signs in Thai and English and temporary ashtrays, at all entrances, to the Immigration Office and entrance to the parking lot.

TPSG is also going there before they open to the public and cleaning the ashtrays, picking up the still discarded toxic butts all over the parking lot, as we think when people see a clean area, some think twice before they trash it.

TPSG hope that this matter is taken care of sooner then later, as we are needed at the beaches to clean and set examples.

We certainly hope that this eye-sorer is corrected, so the Farangs start using the now existing ashtrays and hope, they are replaced with something with a little more eye appeal.

This letter is also being sent to Pattaya City Hall.

Mahalo for putting this important matter to print.

The Pollution Solution Group

KOTO

Think Before Littering

2010-12-24T09:41:00.000-08:00

Aloha;

If one ever saw a baby choking on a cigarette end or a bottle cap, you would never litter again. The Pollution Solution Group would like to start to see a big decline in these two items being left behind, for unknowing children and wildlife to find and ingest.

We are not telling people to quit smoking or drinking, we are just asking them to think before leaving things behind that can kill children and wildlife, like cigarette ends, bottle caps, disposable lighters and camera batteries.

We know that Pattaya Mail also has concerns for our children and wildlife and we thank them for putting this to print.

Mahalo.
Wishing All, Happy Holidays.
Gerry Rasmus,
Pollution Solution Group

Pattaya City Hall Heeds the Request from Koto...1-12-10

2010-12-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

Pattaya People January 12, 2010

They Never Said It Would Be Easy

2010-12-11T09:59:00.001-08:00

Aloha

If one could read Thai, one would learn, that I'm talking to the Pattaya City Mayor and Deputy Mayor about the beaches and storm drain problems, such as toxic cigarette butts, bottle caps, disposable lighters, camera batteries, plastic, things that can and do, kill babies, wildlife and contaminate our waterways.
I just wanted my friends and love ones to know that this dog, is off the porch and barking at the powers, to wake up, and save the voiceless.

The only mistake the papers made is that they said that I was 60, I'm thinking it's because, this too pooped to pop and to old to scold dog, that leads the pack, side steps sea urchins, dodges jellyfish, dances with sharks and from time to time soars with eagles, has weathered Fairly well, considering, life lived.

Just wanted to share with you all, as I have found that inner-wealth and health are the two most priceless things one could ever have, and as my priceless days, months, years start to move so fast, I like to toot my horn from time to time also wishing all Happy Holidays.

With Aloha
Gerry aka KOTO Keeper Of The Ocean
A Legend In His Own Mind, Leaving Only
Examples, Smiles And Footprints Behind.
Cha, Cha, Cha...

Pattaya People...Gerry Rasmus aka Keeper of the Ocean

2010-12-11T09:53:00.000-08:00

Age Correction...Gerry is 72 yrs.

Pattaya People...Gerry Rasmus Aka Keeper of the Ocean

A Message from The Pollution Solution Group

2010-11-30T10:58:00.000-08:00

Aloha

These are things that The Pollution Solution Group remove, from where mothers bring their babies to play on the beach, daily, thousands upon thousands of toxic cigarette ends, (butts) bottle caps, disposable lighters and camera batteries.
Starting 40 years ago when we first helped a mother remove a toxic butt from from her chocking 2 year old baby girl, that became very ill.
To many people either do not realize that cigarette ends are full of chemicals, (poison) and can kill a baby, wildlife and contaminate waterways, taking up to 12 years to decompose, also bottle caps, camera batteries and disposable lighters, will fit into a child's mouth, kills sea and land wildlife, they die a horrible death of either chocking to death, or filling up on non digestible butts, plastic and starving along with their young, this past 3 years, we have helped another 3 mothers with their chocking babies on toxic butts, another on a bottle cap, on Jomtien Beach.
We wonder how many times things like this go unreported, who would one call, what would you say?
Education, signs and fines are needed, to protect the voiceless, children wildlife and our waterways.
The Pollution Solution Group needs all the help we can get, wherever you live, storm drains are also a major problem, flushing toxic waste into our waterways, we need to stencil them, so people realize storm drains are for rain water and to prevent flooding not for garbage.
Everyone needs to do their part, be it walking the walk or talking the talk, we need to teach children and adults to leave only examples, smiles and footprints behind.
KOTO Keeper Of The Ocean, is asking all, to reach out with one random act of kindness at a time.
We will be giving this litter art, to the Pattaya City Hall Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome before years end.
We here at The Pollution Solution Group feel that he will get much more involved for the sake of children, wildlife and waterways, wish us luck.
Mahalo
KOTO

The Pollution Solution Groups most important message ever

2010-11-21T13:25:00.000-08:00

Aloha

The Pollution Solution Group is asking your great paper to please allow your readers to read and see these pictures, so they can share this information with others.

Mahalo (Thank You)

Aloha
Smokers, that leave behind cigarette butts, aren't bad people, they are just doing what they have seen on TV and in the movies, all of their lives, movie stars, flicking their cigarettes, not realizing the harm it causes and letting others think it's OK.

Babies up to the age of two, put everything that will fit into their little mouths.

2 of the most littered items world wide, are cigarettes ends and bottle caps, both can choke a baby to death and the cigarette end, are also full of toxin's that can kill a baby, wildlife and contaminate waterways.

Disposable lighters are also a big problem, fish, seabirds and others, mistake them for food, they don't digest and stay in their stomach, the fish, seabirds and others fill up with them, also bottle caps, then starve to death, the same with turtles eating cigarette butts and plastic mistaking them for jellyfish, which is one of their main foods.

When the paper comes off of the cigarette filter, the cellulose actate, which the filter is made out of, looks enough like a small jellyfish that baby turtles and other sea life ingest them also.

These pictures show what it is like for children to be at the beach, parks, lakes, as these are places that are loaded with cigarette butts, bottle caps and disposable lighters.

The other picture is of a seabird that starved to death because it was full of disposable lighters, bottle caps and cigarette butts, also their chicks die because they unknowingly feed them the same.

The turtle in this picture, is also dead, because it mistook a plastic bag for a jellyfish and choked to death.

The last picture is of a mother and her beautiful baby girl, she is afraid to put her in the sand for fear she will find and put a dirty toxic cigarette butt into her mouth.

Forty plus years ago, I saw a baby choking to death on a cigarette butt and from that day on, is why, The Pollution Solution Group is doing the best they can to inform or educate the people that are unaware of the dangers of leaving behind these things that can kill the voiceless, that might find and maybe ingest.

This happens more often then people realize, it mostly goes unreported.

Who does one call! What would they say?

There has been three times at Jomtien Beach, Soi 7 that the Pollution Solution Group, has assisted mothers with their baby chocking on a cigarette butt and one time on a bottle cap.

Remember one child choking, becoming ill or possibly dieing, is one to many.

We would and hope you would hate to have that on our minds, so please if your one of the people that still leave dangers behind or know someone that does, please share this information with him/her, we are sure once they understand, they will no longer litter dangers, for our voiceless to find.

This is the most important message that The Pollution Solution Group has ever asked your paper to print.

Mahalo Nui Loa (Thank You Very Much)

Health and Happiness to All

The Solution Pollution Group

KOTO Keeper Of The Ocean

Pollution Solution Group Is Happy To Announce

2010-11-03T11:02:00.000-07:00

The Pollution Solution Group
Gerry Rasmus aka KOTO
Keeper Of The Ocean
425 Moo12, Nongprue,
Banglamung, Chonburi.
089-8977816

Aloha

The Pollution Solution Group is happy to announce that we had an important meeting, on the 3rd of November, with Pattaya City Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and he is now aware of the horrendous garbage problems, at the entrance to Dongtan Beach and will take steps to fix this problem, by a either adding more dumpsters, or having the garbage company pick up the garbage more often.

The Pattaya Mayor will also look into the storm drain problem, that runs along side of the road and walking path, at Dongtan Beach, they need to be cleaned, from time to time and some type of receptacles with a sign, need to be close to the storm drains, for cigarette butts, empty cigarette packs and disposable lighters, so people will not use the storm drains, to rid themselves of them, and other litter.

Storm drains, drain into our ocean, toxic cigarette butts, plastic, bottle caps disposable lighters, camera batteries and other garbage, kills our sea-life, seabirds and contaminates our ocean and beaches.

The Pollution Solution Group also mentioned, imposing fines on people, that litter, be it Toxic cigarette Butts, that take up to 12 years to decompose, and can choke, make sick or even kill a baby, along with contaminating our ocean, lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, also killing our water, land, and air, wildlife.

Of course there needs to be signs, welcoming the public, to enjoy the beach and to please pack out what they pack in, also warning them, of a fine for litterers, in Thai, English, Russian, also a picture, so all, understand.

The Mayor is going to take steps to improve this situation, to have cleaner beaches and waterways, which is one of Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol's major projects.

It was an honor for the Pattaya Mayor to take time out of his ever so busy schedule, to talk with The Pollution Solution Group and we are confident, that measures to take care, are in the works as we type.

Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome is a man of his word.

We are all in this neighborhood together, let's please all, take care of it.

Leaving only examples, smile and footprints behind.

The Pollution Solution Group

KOTO Keeper Of The Ocean

Pollution Solution Group and Pattaya City Hall wish all Inner-Wealth, Health, Happiness and Peace.

2010-10-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

Aloha

While The Pollution Solution Group, was removing dangers, from the beach at Jomtien, things that can be ingested by Children, Fish, Turtles and Seabirds, such as, Toxic Cigarette Butts, Bottle Caps, Camera Batteries, Disposable Lighters and Plastic.

Two lovely concerned, Thai girls, started to also help in the removal of dangers that can and do, harm or kill. the Voiceless, Children, Wildlife and Waterways.

We are always honored to have concerned people, reach out and take a part in making their surrounding's, safer for those that have no voice in the matter.

It does not matter where we came from, or where we live, what matters is, where we are coming from, on the inside.

Picking up after others, shows that your a person, living here or on vacation, that understands, that, we are all in this neighborhood together and we realize, how important it is, to save our waterways and protect our children and wildlife, people hear what we say, but see what we do and seeing is believing, set examples.

Leave only footprint and smiles behind.

We are doing our best to get more Farangs to also reach out, we have so many Retired Expats here, with nothing to do, that we are doing our best to organize a Nifty Over Fifty Club, to get healthy and happy, by Waster-Sizing...Bending at the waist, to pick up the waste and by doing so, get rid of both, the pot belly and the garbage, also setting examples, for others to see, we should not be so proud that we can't get a little exercise and make it a safer place, for mothers to bring their babies to play and be able to enjoy the beach.

The Pollution Solution Group is sending the Expat Clubs a message, donating some baht is wonderful, but donating some hands on energy, is like a picture, worth a thousand words.

By starting out with 10 or 30 minutes a day, depending on ones physical condition, pick an area (anywhere) and Waster-Size.

Your mind, body and heart will thank you.

The Pollution Solution Group along with

Pattaya City Hall, wish all, Inner-Wealth, Health, Happiness and Peace.

KOTO Keepers Of The Ocean.

Aloha Pattaya Mail...KOTO says thanks

2010-10-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

KOTO says thanks

Aloha Pattaya Mail,

Just a short note to say the Pollution Group is alive and well, cleaning 1 beach at a time. Now we are sharing pictures of a few Thais that offered their Tambon and we all picked up trash left behind by others.

We find that there are many Thais that offer help, when they see what a old farang is doing, picking up other people’s garbage, making it a safer place for the voiceless, children, wildlife and waterways.

We have also had a few farangs reach out, from time to time.

Remember, it is never too late to waster-size: bending at the waist to pick up some waste and getting rid of both. We all need to eat right, think right and exercise. Also there is, and has been a major garbage problem at the entrance to Dongtan Beach. We have talked with Pattaya City Hall to bring another dumpster or 2 or have the garbage service picked up every day. If you care call 1337 and also tell them.

KOTO

Keeper Of The Ocean

The Pollution Solution Group Calls on Pattaya Locals

2010-10-20T13:43:00.000-07:00

The Pollution Solution Group is asking your great paper,the Pattaya Times, to please help us to inform your many readers about the dangers to our children and wildlife from rubbish being left behind on our Pattaya and Jomtien Beaches.

Many people are unaware of what small discarded bottle caps, disposable lighters, camera batteries, cigarette butts, foam containers and plastic bags can do if ingested by a young child or by sea life, such as turtles, dolphins, crabs and sea birds. read entire ariticle

Aloha Pattaya Mail

2010-07-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

Aloha Pattaya Mail

The Pollution Solution Group is asking your great paper, The Pattaya Mail Serving The Eastern Seaboard Of Thailand, to acknowledge the "Surf Kitchen" Restaurant, on Jomtien Beach Rd. at Soi 6, for there caring and wonderful donation of 10 waste baskets, garbage cans, bins what ever is understandable, to be used on our Jomtien Beach, for the holiday people to use, rather then leaving things behind on the beach, like plastic, toxic cigarette butts, camera batteries and bottle caps.

These baskets also have signs in Thai, English and Russian, saying
(ENJOY THE BEACH AND PLEASE HELP TO KEEP IT CLEAN!) (THANK YOU) also with pictures for all, to understand, they have been making a difference on how clean our beaches are, and much safer for young children to play.

The Surf Kitchen also donated 2 large bags of dog food, 20 kilos, not for the dogs that run in packs and bite people, as we have been reading in your paper, this food is for dogs that have been abandoned due to people losing their jobs and can no longer feed or take care of them, many are on the beach, we find they never bite the hand that feeds and waters them, we are also using a mix of sulfur and vegetable oil 1/3 sulfur, 2/3 vegetable oil, to rub on the dogs that have mange, (losing hair) and not contagious to humans.

Also an endless effort on how to catch, spay or neuter the homeless, some wild, scared and hungry dogs, we have been up and down the beach and Soi's of course we bring food and water, not golf clubs, sticks, rocks or sling-shots, we have been doing this for the past 10 years, never once bit, barked and growled at, never bit.

Dogs, horses all animals can sense fear and react accordingly, if you have a fear or not of dogs, stay away from areas that they live in, don't be walking around areas at night, it's the same in big cities, sensible people don't go out after dark, because of maybe being robbed, raped, beat-up or killed, if your on holiday go where there are other people, if you live here, it doesn't hurt to make friends with the strays in your area, like a bit of left overs and maybe some water, or dog food, make a friend, after all they are mans best friend, the least we can do is reach out, there will be more homeless dogs and people, due to situations everywhere, no jobs no baht, no food, hand outs of water and food to some of the good people and dogs affected by this would be an act of kindness and will look good on your resume to the powers above, share the Aloha, show that you care with one random act of kindness at a time.

The Surf Kitchen Restaurant stood up to the plate, who will be next.
We take our hats off, for caring people like the "Surf's Kitchen"
Mahalo Nui Loa (Thank You Very Much)

The Pollution Solution Group along with Pattaya City Hall, wishes all
Inner-wealth, Health, Happiness and Peace.

Need Information, See A Problem, Call 1337, Pattaya City Hall

Gerry's Posters

2010-07-03T15:58:00.000-07:00

These are just a few of the posters that I make and put in places that get trashed, many people read and do the right thing, to many are unconcerned, unaware or plain stupid.

Letters Editor...mailbag@pattayamail.com

2010-05-30T14:23:00.000-07:00

Aloha Editor

This has been converted to Thai and The Pollution Solution Group will be approaching Pattaya City Hall this month to discuss some of the problems we are having with our beaches and storm drains.We can also send you the Thai version if you like.

MahaloThe Pollution Solution GroupKOTO

Aloha

Without the support and friendship of Deputy Chief Administrator Khun Apichart, Department Of Environmental Quality Promotion Khun Umnat, Mayor Itthiphol and many others at Pattaya City Hall, The Pollution Solution Group, Gerry T. Rasmus aka KOTO, would have never been able to continue doing their best, to educate the children and adults that live or visit Pattaya and other places in Thailand and would have never received an award from Governor Pracha Taerat of Chonburi in 2007 for KOTO'S and TPSG'S ongoing efforts, to educate the Thai's and Farangs to leave only footprints examples and smiles behind.

As some of you know, The Pollution Solution Group has been cleaning beaches, parks, lakes, rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains for the past 30+ years in Hawaii and Thailand, also giving water and food, (now) supplied by Pattaya City Hall, to many of the homeless stray hungry and thirsty dogs also looking into ways of neutering, spaying, removing some and finding homes for others.

TPSG knows what signs, fines and education can do and has proved this, with what they have done in Hawaii and have been doing in Thailand for the past 9 + years, 7 of those years in and around the Jomtien, Pattaya Beach area and Hat Nang Ram Beach in Sattahip.

Talking to Farangs, Thai's, passing out literature, putting up posters, cleaning the beaches and other areas also putting laminated posters next to the storm drains in heavy foot traffic areas.

The Pollution Solution Group firmly believes that along with all the other problem in Thailand at present, if Pattaya City Hall would take charge, in saving the beaches and other waterways by putting up permanent signs in Thai, English and Russian, with understandable pictures for all, including children.

Stenciling the storm drains in heavy foot traffic areas, in Thai, English and Russian. NO BUTTS OR GARBAGE GOES TO OCEAN also with a picture.

Imposing fines to the uncaring. Educate the unknowing by putting signs on or in buses, taxis, information on air lines, local TV, radio and reader boards at Pattaya City Hall and other places, showing the world that Thailand along with Pattaya City Hall has concerns for all it's residents, tourist, wildlife and waterways.

This this will improve the quality of our beaches ocean and other places and will also tell the tourist, residents and all beach-goers, to come and enjoy our clean safe beaches, ocean, rivers, lakes, parks, wherever.

Some of you may or may not know this, KOTO was a smoker and quit 7 years ago, (not easy) He also used to flick his toxic cigarette butts, not realizing the poison he was leaving behind for unknowing children, wildlife and waterways to ingest, until one day around 40 years ago, he saw a baby choking to death, he helped her mother take out a toxic cigarette filter (butt) the poor little one and a half year old unknowing, baby girl had found the toxic cigarette butt buried in the sand and put it into her mouth, when her mother was not looking, started choking, almost died, became quite ill and had to go to the hospital, from that day on, KOTO has never left a Toxic cigarette butt behind, realizing the danger to children, animals, by making them ill or killing them also contaminating our waterways, killing our sea food, sea life and sea birds.

Toxic cigarette filters (butts)take up to 12 years to decompose.

On Jomtien Beach, TPSG has to date, assisted 4 mothers, at different times, with their baby's choking, 3 had toxic cigarette butts stuck in their little throats, all became very ill, the 4Th baby had a bottle cap stuck in her throat and when we finally removed it she was bleeding, we often wonder how many times this happens to baby's and goes unreported,(Who would one tell?) (Who would listen)

Now, more then ever, Thailand is repairing the problems of late and now is the perfect time to plant the right seeds, while tourism is low, people are worried, concerned, many out of work, many making a lot less money for their family's, many willing to make changes, to bring back the people.

The Pollution Solution Group is more then willing to talk at schools, hotels, airports, shopping centers, fishing villages, students, employees and tourist.

Now is the right time and KOTO is not getting any younger, (72) let's use him while we can and he can.

Remember Pattaya City Hall, we are only as good as our last performance. Teaching people to leave only footprints, examples and smiles behind is our duty to the voiceless, the children, wildlife and all natural waterways.

Please take time to consider what The Pollution Solution Group has shared with all of you, with respect and the understanding of all the problems that are currently on Thailand's plate.

The Pollution Solution Group wishes all at Pattaya City Hall and Thailand, health, inner-wealth, happiness and peace.

With Aloha And Mahalo
The Pollution Solution GroupKOTO

Every Litter Bit Counts

2010-05-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

Every Litter Bit counts towards polluting the planet. Make a Difference by Wastersizing.

What's it all about Alfie

2010-01-30T08:57:00.000-08:00

A Blast From The Past

2010-01-11T09:50:00.000-08:00

Aloha

Just sharing a few flash backs of this old man.

"Old man walkin" 1955 Navy, 1961 Gold mine, 1970 My used car lot, Sunnyvale, Calif, look at the classics's, 62 Sprite, Nash Metropolitan, Corvair, 61 Cadillac Sedan DeVille-Land Yacht, those were the days, 2002 under the Elephant, 1978, honking the Conch, Maui Hawaii, 2002. You just can't keep a good old dog down, I have had a very blessed life in so many ways, and to all that received this, you played a big part in it, Mahalo Nui Loa, Health, Long-Life, Inner-Wealth, Happiness and Peace to All.

KOTO One of the keepers of the ocean

5 Students from a college in Sattahip

2009-12-24T12:38:00.000-08:00

These are 5 students from a college in Sattahip, that wanted to assist and learn why KOTO does what he does, they also presented me with a wonderful gift.

The Thai people are very good hearted, these students see the need to help mother nature heal and want to make Thailand a safe clean place for all, students like these will make it happen.

The other two pictures are little sweet hearts that give me the wind in my sails.

Greetings To Pattaya Mail

2009-12-08T09:31:00.000-08:00

Aloha Pattaya Mail

Through out the years you have allowed The Pollution Solution Group to express opinions that they have had and now, we are happy to say that Pattaya City Hall is now assisting us in our efforts to make Jomtien and Pattaya a safer, cleaner place for us all to live or visit.
We want to wish your great paper and all of your readers a wonderful Holiday along with Health, Long-Life, Inner-Wealth and Happiness.
Now is the time of the year for people to make new year resolutions and we along with Pattaya City Hall have some suggestions.
First we would like to thank all of the smokers that do not leave their toxic cigarette ends (butts) behind, that take up to 12 years to decompose, leaving dangers (poison) for unknowing baby's, wildlife and waterways to ingest.
The Pollution Solution Group have helped 3 different mothers, on Jomtien Beach, take toxic butts out of their choking baby's throat, they were just sitting on the beach, playing and they pulled out of the sand these dirty, toxic, killer, cigarette ends, that can and have killed children, wildlife and contaminate our waterways.
Some Thai and Farangs both need to wake up and quit sharing their killer habit with the rest of us, we know it is a hard habit to quit but for the sake of the voiceless, the children, wildlife and all natural waterways, please quit giving poison to them, killing yourself is one thing, killing others is another, the earth is not your ash tray and we don't want our children playing in one, we are also talking to baht bus drivers, motorbike taxis and police to start setting examples by also not flicking or leaving behind cigarette ends (butts) that get flicked into our streets, wash, blow or get swept into our storm drains and then end up in our ocean, killing much of our sea life and also drifting back to shore where children can find them, It's really a no-brainier, if you smoke,
Please "keep your butts to yourself" Leaving only foot prints behind.
Mahalo Nui Loa (Thank you very much) Happy Holidays to All.
Remember Pattaya City Hall #1337. See something wrong, call them, English or Thai, they want to hear from you. One random act of kindness at a time.
The life of the people is in our hearts and shows in the land (take care of it)
WE are all in this neighborhood together
"PLEASE DO YOUR PART"

If pictures are worth a thousand words, here are 6 thousand words, each bag of toxic cigarette ends are different and picked up each day, at the same area, this lovely mother with her baby, understands the problem and is afraid to let her daughter sit or play on our beach ash trays, the children help sometimes to clean the area they play in, the last picture is a fact, we are there every day and see the problem.

Pattaya Beach Clean-Up 400 Students

2009-12-04T09:47:00.000-08:00

KOTO'S Friends

2009-11-18T14:16:00.000-08:00

The Voiceless

2009-11-17T10:25:00.000-08:00

Gerry's Helpers

2009-11-12T12:54:00.000-08:00

Aloha...99.9% of the time I clean the beach alone, so I don't have anyone to take pictures of things that happen during my movie, these 3 beautiful children, that see me most days, decided to help me today, all 3 picked up plastic, cigarette butts bottle caps and other garbage for 1/2 an hour until we finished cleaning that area, then I took them into the water to wash their hands, I was so moved by their actions I had tears in my eyes, they are why I do this, and they wanted to help me, a priceless moment in time.

Waster-Size To Save Our Children

2009-11-01T10:51:00.000-08:00

Love Clean Up Pattaya Day

2009-10-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

On the 12 of this month October, we had a (Love Clean Up Pattaya Day) with Pattaya City Hall and 200 People from Bangkok City Hall, that come to our beach at Jomtien, most of what we all picked up, that was left behind on the beach, where our children play, was discarded toxic cigarette Butts, we all need a wake up call.

KOTO'S New Poster

2009-09-28T22:23:00.000-07:00

Tips To Bring You A Beautiful Life

2009-09-28T22:22:00.000-07:00

Click here to view beautiful slideshow with music
Wisdoms of Life

Lebensweisheiten

View more presentations from ZUHAL S.

Releasing Turtles

2009-09-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

KOTO Waster-Sizing

2009-09-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

Tam Boon

2009-09-16T21:26:00.000-07:00

Aloha Khun Umnat

Today the 15TH was a good day, we were able to put up many posters at Hat Nang Ram Beach in Sattahip, also Sirikit Hospital and a school, also the English and Thai literature, along with the washing hands posters, everybody thanked MaLee and I plus you and others at City Hall...
We will see you on the 18TH, have a great day...

Your friends KOTO and MaLee

Clearing Dangerous Piece Of Drift Wood

2009-09-16T20:23:00.000-07:00

Aloha Khun Umnat

MaLee and I hope that all is going well, in your not so easy job, of taking care of the environment, we are proud to be a part of it, thank you for including us...
With some help from the beach chair vendors, we were able to remove a very dangerous piece of drift wood, from the ocean, that could hurt or kill a person on a banana boat, water skiing, jet skiing or wind surfing, it was mostly under water and was very hard to see...
Many people that make their living on the beach, often help me, I only need to ask and most will take time to assist me...

Your friends ready to help anytime we can...
With Aloha Gerry aka KOTO and MaLee

Celebrate Growing Older

2009-09-08T21:58:00.000-07:00

This is something we should all read at least once a week! Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with the powers above. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12.. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; the powers above never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. The powers above loves you because of who the powers is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift." 46. Leave only foot prints behind. 47. Reach out for the voiceless, the children, wildlife and natural waterways.

48. The life of the people is in our hearts and shows in the land." 49. "NOW" Is the only time there is, make the most of it. 50. Love yourself, so you will know how to love others.

Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves.

PS Koto at 71, added a few words at the end of this wonderful work, I also put the Powers Above, so regardless of what or who one believes in, The Powers Above should cover all.

A Girl Made The World Silent For 5 Minutes

2009-08-26T11:21:00.000-07:00

A Polution Crisis

2009-08-21T09:34:00.000-07:00

Middle School student made this wonderful short video that informs you about the plastic that is building up in our world.

World's biggest garbage dump...plastic in the ocean

Waster-size campaign 1980

2009-08-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

Gerry began his Waster-size campaign in
1980

By LAUREL MURPHY
Staff Writer

LAHAINA -- Every morning at 7 Gerry Rasmus collects a plastic bag and his dog and sets off across the streets of old Lahaina town, picking up trash along the way.
He arrives at the Sunset Cafe, drinks a cup of coffee, and then heads for the rocky, little adjacent beach where he wades out into the tide and picks up swizzle sticks
Dozens of swizzle sticks. About 150 a day, in fact, which have washed ashore from cruise ships and Front St. restaurants. So many swizzle sticks that he perforates the entire cup of coffee with them, dates it, and sets it out on a table in his backyard as a symbol of Maui's intransigent problem with litter.
Rasmus, age 54, has become a one-man "pollution solution"
Waist to waste, as it were. As Rasmus looks at it, if he can persuade one more person a day to "pitch in" before he dies ---that's 10,000 people he figures---the problem of Hawaii's beaches being twice as littered as the national average would be a thing of the past.
Besides, he says, " it ends up being good exercise. You're not only cleaning up the neighborhood, you're getting rid of your opu.
Rasmus is the kind of guy who sells bananas and papayas in his front yard to tourists---on the honor system of course---and uses the proceeds to pay for the 750 pounds of birdseed he buys each month to feed the Java sparrows and battalions of doves on his roof happy.
He's the kind of guy who answers the phone by saying, "Have a wonderful now," gives out copies of Leo Buscaglia's book "Love is Letting of Fear" to friends ("Not because you need it; because you deserve it"), and rides his bicycle down Honoapiilani Highway wearing an anti-pollution mask.
He often stops litterers with a charming smile and the words, "Excuse me, I think you dropped this." Or, "Are you aware that every shoreline mile in Hawaii has 940,000 cigarette filters?" ( A gallon bottle with such filters is in his backyard collection, representing two hours of work on the lawn in front of the Lahaina Public Library one day.)
Rasmus bubbles over daily with ways to gain support for his crusade.
What about the first Annual Maui Litter Art Festival? Maybe it could be held Labor Day weekend. The entrance fee would be a 30-gallon bag of trash. If contestants couldn't afford a trash bag, he will supply it.
People could bring their creations made of litter and win prizes like, say, a helicoptor ride for two to a remote area where they could pick up trash.
Rasmus wasn't always this public-spirited a citizen. In fact, as he admits, he was once part of the problem, "a waste of skin taking up space."
He moved to Maui from California in 1976 to avoid prosecution for drunken driving. In four months he squandered the $80,000 profit he had made from selling his used car business in San Jose. He ended up living on the beach and taking shower at beach parks.
"You know, many of us who come to the island are runaways," he said.
By 1980, however, Rasmus had seen the light. "I stopped drinking and became a part of the solution."
He started leasing houses, and renting clean rooms to people living on a shoestring like he used to do. He opened (and closed) two stores in Lahaina, Crystal Palace and Song by the Sea. He sold kukui nut leis at the Swap Meet, and became known as Lahaina's unofficial greeter.
In January, it hit him. His true purpose for being.
"Most of my life I have been wondering what I am here for, what I am supposed to do," he said. "Why not start cleaning the place up so when I do figure it out, I'm in a decent setting?"

Big cleaning operation on Jomtien Beach

2009-08-14T23:47:00.000-07:00

Big cleaning operation on Jomtien Beach

During the morning of the 11th August, Deputy Mayor Weerawat Kahkai organised a cleaning up operation along Jomtien Beach. The positive activity in improve and clean up the landscape was attended by councilors and beach vendors and students from Pattaya Schools, was in honour of the birthday of HM The Queen and also Mothers Day which falls on the 12th August. News stories placed on this website are short versions. If you would like the full story, please read the Pattaya People Weekly newspaper.

Two Wonderful People

2009-08-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of two very good looking wonderful people...Saif and Samina...on holiday helping KOTO clean the beach.

It is very nice to meet young people from other parts of the world with concerns about the voiceless, children, wildlife, natural waterways and realize that we are all in this neighborhood together.

Sea Grass

2009-07-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

Sea Grass will feed shrimp and other sea creatures

On Thursday morning, July 23RD, 50 student volunteers from Pattaya City schools, Khun Umnat, Department of Environmental Ouality Promotion from Pattaya City Hall, Teachers, Gerry Rasmus aka KOTO, One of the keepers of the ocean and MaLee planted over 400 sea grasses at Thong Kata Bay in Naklua. The students came to protect and enhance the marine environment and coastline. Thong Kata bay is a very important resource, as there is no access there for tourists, and the conditions of the sea, soil and sand in the area is mostly suitable for planting the sea grasses. This is the first marine area in Pattaya that has been planted. Sea grass is an aquatic plant, and its foliage is a food and home for crab, shrimp and other sea creatures. Furthermore, the sea grass also holds the sediments and soil together, which prevents underwater erosion.

We are all in this neighborhood together

2009-07-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

WE ARE ALL IN THIS NEIGHBORHOOD TOGETHER

Aloha Pattaya People
The Pollution Solution Group, Checked out the 5 storm drain pipes, that empty into the ocean at Bali Hai Pier, The reason we did this was because of the waste that was not draining out of the storm drains in Pattaya City and the mosquito's breeding in them.
We notified Khun Umnat at City Hall, telling him that they needed to spray the drains again to kill the mosquito's beeding in the toxic waste, Then pump out the drains, (Not) Dumping the waste into the ocean, After that digging out the storm drain pipes at the oceans edge, which are full of sand, blocking the drains from letting the rain water drain into the ocean.
We are also asking, that the heavy foot traffic areas around storm drains to be stenciled in Thai and English (GOES TO OCEAN) (NO GARBAGE) WITH A PICTURE.
We all need to take an active part in reporting storm drains that have garbage, cooking oil, cigarette butts in them, To City Hall, the waste all goes to the ocean, Killing sea life (SEA FOOD) And much of it washing back to shore, Making our beaches a mess, A danger to all, (Especially the children)
We re all in this neighborhood together, it is time for us to reach out and do our part, Don't wait for someone else to do the (Tam Boon) (Hearing the cry of Mother Nature) Take pictures of storm drains that have waste in them, send them to The Pollution Solution Group. We will take them to City Hall, Make sure you put the location with the picture. Mahalo Nui Loa, Thank You Very Much. "The Life of the People is in Our Hearts and Shows in the Land" Health and Happiness to all.
With Aloha KOTO, One of the keepers o the ocean
pollutionsolutionthailand@yahoo.com

Storm Drains

Gerry and the Kids

2009-07-04T15:14:00.000-07:00

Project Nui

2009-06-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

The Six R's

2009-05-23T23:50:00.000-07:00

Walking The Talk

2009-05-21T11:50:00.000-07:00

Water Matters

2009-05-13T19:55:00.001-07:00

THIRST

View more presentations from Jeff Brenman.

Toxic Trapper Abtech - TIME

2009-05-05T08:42:00.000-07:00

Toxic Trapper Abtech - TIME

InventorGlenn Rink created the technology behind Smart Sponge in 1996 as a way to turn oil slicks into solid sheets that could easily be plucked out of the water.

Read full story Time.com

Banish The Bags

2009-04-22T10:33:00.000-07:00

Banish The Bags: The Mail launches a campaign to clean up the country ... and the planetBy SEAN POULTER and DAVID DERBYSHIRE
Last updated at 09:03 27 February 2008

A typical British family heads home laden with plastic bags packed full of the weekly supermarket shop...
Cut to the haunting image of a sea turtle, thousands of miles away, struggling through the deep ocean waters as discarded plastic bags wrap themselves around its flippers and body.
These majestic animals are dying in alarming numbers because they mistake the flimsy translucent bags - which could in theory come from British supermarkets - for jellyfish, a key element of their diet.

A British family on their weekly shop - but their bags could be killing our wildlife

A rare turtle swims through the ocean - but the plastic bag in its gut will kill it

Once swallowed by the turtle, the tough plastic becomes lodged in its gut, sealing the fate of the sea creature.
The plastic is indigestible and wraps around the turtle's insides. Slowly, agonisingly, the animal starves to death.
The endangered Green Turtle provides a potent symbol of the deadly threat to wildlife and the blight on the natural world caused by throwaway plastic bags handed out free in their billions to shoppers.
Closer to home, other animals also pay the price. In April 2002 a dead minke whale was washed up on the coast of Normandy.
When her stomach was cut open, 2lb of plastic bags was found - she had mistaken them for food and died a painful death.
An astonishing 13billion free single-use plastic bags are dished out by Britain's High Street stores every year. These flimsy bags - a byproduct of crude oil - are issued at the rate of more than 800 a year to every family in the land.
Typically they are used for only 20 minutes before being thrown out. But they will take up to 1,000 years to rot away. If the Normans had used plastic bags in the 1066 invasion, archaeologists would still be digging them up today.

Last supper: A 50-year-old turtle chokes on shredded plastic on the Hawaiian island of Midway, where beaches are covered with rubbish

During their long decay millions linger millions linger like urban tumbleweed to pollute our streets, the countryside, parks, rivers and seas.
Britain's coast is washed with a toxic "plastic soup" carried on the tide which threatens our seabirds, turtles, whales and other wildlife.
Gannets off Cornwall suffer a long painful death, unable to feed or fly after getting entangled.
Dolphins scoop up plastic bags and carry them around, risking strangulation and suffocation.
And some 8 per cent of the world's seal population has reportedly been harmed by plastic bags.
Today the Daily Mail launches the Banish the Bags campaign in an effort to rid the country of these single-use plastic bags, the most ubiquitous feature of our disposable society.

Dumping ground: Discarded plastic bags and cartons pile up on the roadside outside a supermarket in North Shields, North Tyneside

No escape: The corpse of the gannet on the surf beach at Fistral, Newquay, strangled by the handle of a carrier bag

Birds are at risk when they feed on rubbish tips. A bag has blown over this stork on a dump in Spain, leaving it unable to fly and threatening its life

Chief Seattle's Thoughts

2009-04-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

'Man did not weave the web of life - he is merely a strand in it.Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.'

In 1854, 'The Great White Chief' in Washington made an offer for a large area of Indian land and promised a 'reservation' for the Indian people.

Chief Seattle's reply, published here in full has been described as one of the most beautiful and profound statements on the environment ever made:

'In 1851 Seattle, chief of the Suquamish and other Indian tribes around Washington's Puget Sound, delivered what is considered to be one of the most beautiful and profound environmental statements ever made. The city of Seattle is named for the chief, whose speech was in response to a proposed treaty under which the Indians were persuaded to sell two million acres of land for $150,000.' -- Buckminster Fuller in Critical Path.

Chief Seattle's Thoughts

How can you buy or sell the sky, the warmth of the land? The idea is strange to us.

If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them?

Every part of this earth is sacred to my people. Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every clearing and humming insect is holy in the memory and experience of my people. The sap which courses through the trees carries the memories of the red man.

The white man's dead forget the country of their birth when they go to walk among the stars. Our dead never forget this beautiful earth, for it is the mother of the red man. We are part of the earth and it is part of us. The perfumed flowers are our sisters; the deer, the horse, the great eagle, these are our brothers. The rocky crests, the juices in the meadows, the body heat of the pony, and man --- all belong to the same family.

So, when the Great Chief in Washington sends word that he wishes to buy our land, he asks much of us. The Great Chief sends word he will reserve us a place so that we can live comfortably to ourselves. He will be our father and we will be his children.

So, we will consider your offer to buy our land. But it will not be easy. For this land is sacred to us. This shining water that moves in the streams and rivers is not just water but the blood of our ancestors. If we sell you the land, you must remember that it is sacred, and you must teach your children that it is sacred and that each ghostly reflection in the clear water of the lakes tells of events and memories in the life of my people. The water's murmur is the voice of my father's father.

The rivers are our brothers, they quench our thirst. The rivers carry our canoes, and feed our children. If we sell you our land, you must remember, and teach your children, that the rivers are our brothers and yours, and you must henceforth give the rivers the kindness you would give any brother.

We know that the white man does not understand our ways. One portion of land is the same to him as the next, for he is a stranger who comes in the night and takes from the land whatever he needs. The earth is not his brother, but his enemy, and when he has conquered it, he moves on. He leaves his father's grave behind, and he does not care. He kidnaps the earth from his children, and he does not care. His father's grave, and his children's birthright are forgotten. He treats his mother, the earth, and his brother, the sky, as things to be bought, plundered, sold like sheep or bright beads. His appetite will devour the earth and leave behind only a desert.

I do not know. Our ways are different than your ways. The sight of your cities pains the eyes of the red man. There is no quiet place in the white man's cities. No place to hear the unfurling of leaves in spring or the rustle of the insect's wings. The clatter only seems to insult the ears. And what is there to life if a man cannot hear the lonely cry of the whippoorwill or the arguments of the frogs around the pond at night? I am a red man and do not understand. The Indian prefers the soft sound of the wind darting over the face of a pond and the smell of the wind itself, cleaned by a midday rain, or scented with pinon pine.

The air is precious to the red man for all things share the same breath, the beast, the tree, the man, they all share the same breath. The white man does not seem to notice the air he breathes. Like a man dying for many days he is numb to the stench. But if we sell you our land, you must remember that the air is precious to us, that the air shares its spirit with all the life it supports.

The wind that gave our grandfather his first breath also receives his last sigh. And if we sell you our land, you must keep it apart and sacred as a place where even the white man can go to taste the wind that is sweetened by the meadow's flowers.

So we will consider your offer to buy our land. If we decide to accept, I will make one condition - the white man must treat the beasts of this land as his brothers.I am a savage and do not understand any other way. I have seen a thousand rotting buffaloes on the prairie, left by the white man who shot them from a passing train. I am a savage and do not understand how the smoking iron horse can be made more important than the buffalo that we kill only to stay alive.

What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, man would die from a great loneliness of the spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected.

You must teach your children that the ground beneath their feet is the ashes of our grandfathers. So that they will respect the land, tell your children that the earth is rich with the lives of our kin. Teach your children that we have taught our children that the earth is our mother. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of earth. If men spit upon the ground, they spit upon themselves.

This we know; the earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth. This we know. All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. All things are connected.

Even the white man, whose God walks and talks with him as friend to friend, cannot be exempt from the common destiny. We may be brothers after all. We shall see. One thing we know which the white man may one day discover; our God is the same God.

You may think now that you own Him as you wish to own our land; but you cannot. He is the God of man, and His compassion is equal for the red man and the white. The earth is precious to Him, and to harm the earth is to heap contempt on its creator. The whites too shall pass; perhaps sooner than all other tribes. Contaminate your bed and you will one night suffocate in your own waste.

But in your perishing you will shine brightly fired by the strength of the God who brought you to this land and for some special purpose gave you dominion over this land and over the red man.

That destiny is a mystery to us, for we do not understand when the buffalo are all slaughtered, the wild horses are tamed, the secret corners of the forest heavy with the scent of many men and the view of the ripe hills blotted by talking wires.

Where is the thicket? Gone. Where is the eagle? Gone.

The end of living and the beginning of survival.

2009-01-24T10:28:00.000-08:00

Click here to read Gerry's latest Weekly Opinion Letter

Pattaya Beach

2009-01-15T10:24:00.000-08:00

Aloha Khun Verawat Khakhay

2008-12-02T19:30:00.001-08:00

Aloha Khun Verawat Khakhay

First I would like to thank you sir for allowing my emails to reach you, you are the only voice the I can reach by email at City Hall, Two of the pictures above show what I picked up at the high tide mark, one morning on Jomtien Beach, The rest of the beach where our children play has thousands more Toxic Cigarette Butts buried in the sand small areas everywhere, It takes up to 12 years for these Toxic Butts to decompose, Unknowing children play on the beach, they reach into the sand and find a Toxic Butt which are "everywhere" Then the Baby sometimes when Mother is not watching puts this poison into their mouths, sometimes swallow and can become very ill and in some cases die also unknowing fish like our sea food ingest these Toxic Butts, some die, some don't and we eat them, Sir Just one person that smokes one pack of Cigarettes a day and with the ban on indoor smoking, Flick approx 7,000, (Seven Thousand Toxic Butts) A year, When you start adding the Hundreds of thousands of people that smoke in just Pattaya alone you start to realize that we are allowing them to kill our Voiceless, The Children, Wildlife and Waterways, If we don't start imposing fines and make smokers start keeping their Toxic Butts to themselves we will be responsible for the sickness and death of our unknowing children, sea food, wildlife, waterways, People can carry zip lock bags, a water bottle with a little water in it, We also need to install large Ash Trays, I have helped three mothers take Toxic Butts out of their choking children, Sir I can bitch and gripe everyday but unless City Hall does not do anything for the Voiceless, Nothing will happen except for more dangers for our Children, Wildlife and Waterways, We need Signs and Fines, I will help in any way that you would like me to. The other picture is a washout to the Ocean and people use it for a dunp sight, when the wind blows or it rains everything goes into our Ocean, Plastic, Butts, Garbage. Sir it is up to us to what kind of world we want to wake up to each day, I realize Thailand is having it's problems, Problems that the Voiceless can do nothing about. People hear what we say, But see what we do and seeing is beliveing, Health and Happiness to you and yours. With Aloha KOTO Keeper of the Ocean, One Day and Beach at a Time

WASTER-SIZING WITH YOUR MATE

2008-10-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

Gerry Rasmus aka KOTO

2008-09-24T22:53:00.000-07:00

HELP US TO PREVENT BEACH POLLUTION

2008-09-24T20:41:00.000-07:00

A PERSONAL COMMITMENT

2008-09-24T20:23:00.000-07:00

A personal commitment to keeping Jomiten Beach clean

2006

In an ideal world, beaches would be pristine clean providing a welcoming and pleasing environment for visitors. However, in the real world they are often dirty and not particularly inviting.
For six years now, Gerry Rasmus an American from Hawaii has voluntarily spent between 7:00 and 10:00 am each day cleaning Jomtien Beach. We recently went to see Gerry in action. We were interested to observe him working, to hear about his background and how he got involved in keeping beaches clean.
Our conversation firstly led us back to Hawaii some twenty-five years ago. Around this time, Gerry was questioning the purpose of his existence. Out of this searching, Gerry became aware that his purpose was to concern himself more with the world, especially the environment. As this interest in the environment began to develop, he became concerned about the state of Hawaiian beaches. This prompted him to do a daily beach rubbish clearance.
Six year ago, having reached retirement age, Gerry came to live in Thailand. However, his concerns about the environment remained undiminished. He spent one year in the Isaan town of Buriram, where he daily cleared the river, which was being used like a rubbish dump.
From Buriram, he gravitated to Jomtien where he observed that things like plastic bags, plastic cups, cigarette filters were adversely affecting the beach environment. As a result, he began a daily beach cleaning programme with the help of his lovely Thai partner Fun.
Gerry stresses that thoughtless disposal of rubbish affects not only the beach but the ocean with garbage being indiscriminately thrown off boats. This has visible effects with rubbish appearing at the water’s edge and sea life dying through eating things like cigarette ends. Gerry often swims out to sea to clear unwanted rubbish from the water.
He also cites another contributory factor causing dirty beaches and oceans, namely the disposal of hazardous materials in gutters or down storm drains. Pollutants from the storm drain system drain directly into channels and creeks directly to the ocean. So Gerry’s message is before you pour anything in the gutter or drain, think twice.
A vision Gerry has is for colourful rubbish containers to be placed all along Jomtien Beach. He would also like the general public to be educated on keeping the environment clean and how this can be achieved.
Gerry has coined a phrase for the practice of cleaning beaches. He calls it waster/sizing, in other words cleaning beaches and getting exercise at the same time. We would commend Gerry for the work he is doing and hope that others will join him in waster/sizing so as to make Pattaya/Jomtien beaches amongst the cleanest in Thailand.

EDUCATION IS THE ONLY ANSWER

2008-09-24T19:54:00.000-07:00

EDUCATION IS THE ONLY ANSWER TO AVOID POLLUTING PLANET EARTH

Paul Strachan

Environmental issues are now one of the leading priorities for governing bodies around the world, with concerns about global warming dominating the international headlines. Over the last few years heads of state right down to the man on the street have become more and more aware of the damage we are causing to planet earth.

Gerry Rasmus is campaigning to clean up the region’s beaches.
Natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis are a constant fear, especially as these are events that are beyond the control of man.
Thailand has had its fair share of negative focus affecting tourism in the last couple of years: the tsunami, of course, threats to tourists, the troubled South, and the political upheaval that saw the departure of Thaksin Shinawatra.
Pattaya, however, continues to prosper. We know businesses complain that trade is down but there is simply more choice and more competition, more bars, more restaurants, and a never-ending amount of construction work.
So still they come from all corners of the globe to sample the delights of Fun City. However, due to its rapid expansion it’s a bit like trying to keep a child in clothes: as the child keeps on growing the city weaves new fabric to sustain it; the child continues to mature and the city wonders why the clothes it made don’t fit anymore.
The problems created by this burgeoning growth involve each one of us.
Whether you are reading this on holiday, or have chosen to stay in this Land of Smiles, you may well question if Pattaya is the tropical paradise it at first appears.
When the rain comes everybody complains about the flash flooding and they see for their own eyes that the drains can’t handle the deluge.
The beaches still leave a lot to be desired. As for the quality of the water, the abundance of seafood that Pattaya offers may well be under threat from the kind of contamination revealed by a recent study that predicts with, until the rains come and the water erupts out of the drains like a geyser.

On the beaches, again on the surface they look reasonably clean but what lies beneath?
On a recent trip out to a beach just south of Pattaya a man who is fondly known as the Keeper of the Ocean, Gerry Rasmus was doing his daily workout. Every day, he says he "waster-sizes - bending at the waist to pick up the waste and get rid of both."
In the space of two hours Gerry had pulled out from the water literally hundreds of plastic bags. He explained that the bags cause a barrier that stops crabs from feeding: so, unable to eat, they die.
Discarded batteries leak their acid into the water.
Another man helping Gerry was Steve Martin (no, not that one) who was horrified at the amount of garbage that was coming out of the sea. Just think, the sea provides all those delicious fish, prawns, mussels and lobsters, but does it all seem so fresh and healthy when you think of the filthy state of the water?
Gerry did this work in Hawaii. He stopped smoking, gave up alcohol, and is trying to keep fit and at the same time do his bit to help the environment.
He is not alone in his quest: indeed his partner and another man were helping and after the first hour about 10 Thai children came to help.
Looking at the children Steve said that the answer is staring us in the face. The problem needs to be addressed at its root: Education.
If you look at a country like Japan, recycling is second nature. Homes have three different bins and everybody has a sense of responsibility. If schools here were to initiate a program where every lunchtime the children were shown what is recyclable (and therefore of value) and what is not, then that would help to instil ideas that would be carried forward into their adult lives.
Our litter has, by our own negligence, become a killer: a killer of marine life, a killer of our standard of living; and indeed for many it could be secretly killing our very livelihoods.
Only time will reveal the full injustices for which mankind has been responsible.
When we are gone our children and grandchildren will feel the true effects of their ancestors’ misdemeanours: as temperatures soar, pollution rules and the planet responds.
We could all work to prevent this now. To quote Herbert Spencer: "The great aim of education is not knowledge but action."

THE BEGINNING

2008-09-24T19:03:00.001-07:00

"Beyond the Beach" with Andrew Watson

Gerry Rasmus, "The Pollution Solution"

"Beyond the Beach" - Andrew Watson’s news series on Pattaya Mail on TV, starts with "The Pollution Solution", an interview with Gerry Rasmus.

Inevitably, it’s another beautiful Pattaya morning, the sun is out and there’s at least a hint of a breeze coming in from the bay. Andrew runs into an individual who embodies Mahatma Ghandi’s mantra, "Be the change you want to see in the world" and he does it, from the beach.
Gerry Rasmus is larger than life. He is from the United States and he spends his time setting an example to all of us on the Eastern seaboard by taking the most personal care of the environment which we treasure most here - the beach. He is a man with a message for us all and I think it’s going to be worth watching.
Andrew describes Gerry as ‘the Pollution Solution", a sobriquet Gerry is happy to handle. But Gerry’s life, we learn, hasn’t all been plain sailing. He bravely confides that once he was a "waste of skin taking up space". But by as long ago as 1980, Gerry had seen the light. He stopped drinking and became part of the solution, rather than part of the problem.
His effervescent character is nonetheless humble and yet it appears, his devotion to cleaning up the planet is not completely altruistic. The cumulative energy involved in picking up trash from the beach amounts to real exercise and Gerry has invented a name for it - "Waistercizing". And what to do with his collected garbage? Well it appears that there are many strings to Gerry’s net. He creates works of art with it all. So what’s his message, you might ask? Well it’s simple. According to Gerry, if all of us took just a little bit of interest in keeping things clean, the whole world might be a better place. And then something more - ‘love each other’ says Gerry.