She's tackling pollution at age 7

Seven-year-old Bella Richards and her grandmother, Jean Vatnsdal of Cloquet, have enjoyed summer nature walks since Bella's fourth birthday. Throughout the summer, they explore the outside elements together, watching the flowers bloom and witnessing the buds grow on the trees.

Once or twice a week they do something special. Armed with garbage bags and latex gloves, they challenge pollution by collecting garbage along the tree lines and boulevard strips. On their cleanup walks, they find plastic, glass and many other nondegradable items strewn across their walking routes.

After witnessing the sheer amount of garbage, Bella asked her grandma the age-old question: "Doesn't everyone know we only have one Earth?" Bella's grandmother replied by encouraging her granddaughter to spread the word, which is exactly what she intends to do. This summer, Bella asks people to follow some tips to help cut down on pollution in Carlton County.

Keep a bag for garbage in your car so that you have something to put your garbage in on the go.

Don't throw your garbage anywhere but into a garbage container.

Never pick up needles or sharp objects. Tell an adult and let them help you get rid of the item in a safe way.

Bella finally asks that everyone helps pitch in. "Remember, we only have one Earth and everyone needs to help keep it garbage-free."