Old beliefs die hard, and there's no better example than the antiquated view of industry and the environment. Industry, government and citizens in Lee County value their environment and are working hard to protect and enhance the place where we all live and work.

Want proof? Sanford was recently named one of the nation's "Playful City USA" communities by the nonprofit KaBOOM! for its growing network of neighborhood parks, and a greenway's now being developed to link Sanford's downtown with the Endor Iron Furnace, a Civil War-era industrial site miles away along the Deep River.

In addition to curbside recycling, water reuse and other common environmental initiatives taking place locally, Sanford has recycled all of its motor oil since 1995 — an average of 3,000 gallons each year — through Noble Oil Services, a well-known oil recycling company located in Lee County. Bulk materials are picked up and recycled, too, with metal being handled locally by Lee Iron and Metal.

And the city's new wastewater plant expansion is designed to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification standard established by the U.S. Green Building Council.

And that's just scratching the surface. Local industry is doing its part, too. In fact, we're now compling some examples of the innovative environmental projects by local companies, so check back soon for more details.