Prayer flags are inscribed with auspicious symbols, invocations, prayers, and mantras. Tibetan Buddhists for centuries have planted these flags outside their homes and places of spiritual practice for the wind to carry the beneficent vibrations across the countryside. Prayer flags are said to bring happiness, long life and prosperity to the flag planter and those in the vicinity.

1/6 of all pregnant women have enough mercury in their system to cause birth defects in their children. Our goal is to create enough flags (at least 2000) to respresent the number of affected women in the Richmond and Aiken Co. since Olin opened its doors in 1964.

Augusta, GA is one of only 4 places remaining in the United States with a chlorine plant like Olin chemical. Olin uses a mercury cell process to produce the chlorine, and during that process emits close to 600 lbs. of mercury per year into the airs and waters of our area. The savannah River is the recipient for much of the mercury that escapes their discharge pipe and falls from the smoke stacks. As such so are the people who live around, eat, and play in it.

Oceana, a world-wide non-profit that compaigns to protect and restore the world's oceans, fights alongside Savannah Riverkeeper to protect the River and stop the mercury pollution affecting her. Together we have created our

"Flags of Hope" campaign:

Come make a flag, or if you have already made one at one of our previous events, come find yours strung around the festival. Help us reach our goal of 2008.

Please go to our why is mercury a problem section for more information.