GREEN TIPS & PROJECTS
- AT HOME…
Be energy efficient. Make the most of our energy resources while saving money. Seal windows and doors, insulate your home, turn off lights, TVs and computers when not in use and purchase energy efficient appliances. http://www.energy.state.md.us/energysources/energyefficiency/residential/index.html
Use less water. The average person uses 125 gallons of water a day. Use less and you can help the environment and save money! http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/bay/education/clean_house.html
Build or buy a rain barrel kit. Use the water you collect on your lawn and garden to wash the family car. http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/ed/rainbarrel.html
Maintain your septic system. Have your septic system pumped out every three years, never use your toilet as a garbage can, and use your garbage disposal sparingly. http://www.agnr.umd.edu/users/hgic/
- IN YOUR BACKYARD…
Plant a tree. Trees help clean the air, cool the earth, and shelter wildlife. Planting trees along waterways filter pollutants from water, cool our streams and provide food and habitat for fish. http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/forests/education/howto2.html
Water more efficiently. When summer turns up the heat, water your garden in the cooler morning or evening hours when plants absorb it more efficiently, and consider using a soaker hose. http://www.mde.state.md.us/ResearchCenter/Factsheets/waterfactsheets/index.asp
Grow native. Plant trees, shrubs and flowers that are native to your area. They’ll need less watering during periods of drought, and fewer fertilizer and pesticide applications. http://www.alliancechesbay.org/project.cfm?vid=85
Create wild acres. Erecting birdhouses (bat houses too!), encourages feathered visitors to your yard that eat bothersome insects, helping reduce the need for insecticides. http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/wildacres.asp#tips
Add texture. Minimize paved surfaces like sidewalks and driveways. Instead, use wood chips, gravel, stepping stones or bricks laid in sand to reduce surface runoff and add dimension to your garden. http://www.wildlifehc.org/template.cfm?FrontID=3562
Spring Forward, Fall Fertilize. To avoid over-fertilizing, apply it in the fall when the ground’s still soft and it’s less likely to run off into surface water. You’ll need even less if you use tree and yard clippings for mulch. http://www.hgic.umd.edu/
- ON THE WATER…
Pump, Don't Dump. Sewage discharged from boats adds to the pollution in the Bay.
http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/bay/education/clean_rec.html
Frequent Clean Marinas. They have voluntarily adopted measures to reduce pollution from marinas and recreational boats, and have been officially recognized for it. http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating/cleanmarina/
- IN NATURE….
Leave no trace. Respect our natural world as you enjoy it. Use existing trails and campsites. Take care with fire. Leave what you find as you’ve found it. Take trash with you when you go. Be considerate of others – people and wildlife – you meet along the way. http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/outdooradventures/lntkid.html
Leave wildlife alone. Never “rescue” young animals that appear abandoned. Their parents are probably nearby getting food. Handling a wild animal is dangerous for you and decreases their chance for survival. It’s also against the law to keep many types of wildlife without a permit. Report sick, injured or nuisance animals at 1-877-463-6497.
- ON THE ROAD…
Reduce Emissions: Walk, ride a bike, carpool, combine trips or use mass transit and maintain your car with regular tune-ups and keep tires inflated at the proper pressure. http://www.energy.state.md.us/
Dispose of oil properly. Drain it into a plastic container with a tight-fitting cap and take to a collection facility. Find one nearby: http://www.mde.state.md.us/researchcenter/factsheets/landfactsheets/haz_collect.asp
- EVERYWHERE…
Don’t Litter. Littering is ugly, damaging to our natural resources, harmful to wildlife AND AGAINST THE LAW. Go one step further and volunteer to help clean up our roadways. http://www.sha.state.md.us/SHAServices/mapsBrochures/OC/adopt.asp
Pick up after pets. Pet waste can run off into ponds and creeks, further polluting water supplies. It’s also against the law to leave it behind in many places. http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/bay/tribstrat/nps_pollution.html
Control chemicals. From cleaning supplies and fertilizer to paint and nail polish, the average family uses 25 gallons of chemicals each year, most of which end up down the drain. http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/bay/protect/home.html
Lead By Example. Your friends and family may be waiting for someone else to take charge. You can by starting a neighborhood cleanup or planning a tree planting event in your community. Volunteers from Team DNR can help. http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/education/teamdnr/
- AT SCHOOL…
Make your school a Green School: The Governor's Green Schools Award Program recognizes Maryland schools that teach environmental education, use best management practices and address related issues in the community. http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/bay/protect/home.html
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