Lawn
Watering
Water once a week, about an inch (includes rainfall), and only in the early morning or at night to avoid excessive evaporation. Not watering the sidewalk, paths or driveway (a) saves water and (b) reduces runoff. More watering tips
here.
Clippings
Don’t rake. Grass clippings release nutrients back into the lawn, cut your fertilizer needs in half, hold moisture and save time. More about grasscycling
here.
Auto
Oil
Stop or contain leaks (stormwater runoff containing just a pint of oil can create a slick larger than a football field). If you change your own oil, store it in gallon jugs and put it out at the curb with the recycling. Since not everyone has the option for curbside collection, there are also places to take your used oil
(Portland/Metro) (Clark County).
Washing
The soap and grime that washes away is hard on our waterways. Consider
certified carwashes or even washing your car on the lawn with biodegradable soap (reducing contaminants and watering your lawn at the same time). And contrary to popular belief, it won't hurt your lawn.
Garden
Compost
Next time you're wondering what to do with your yard waste, do yourself a favor and get one of
these bins from Metro. Composting
(Portland/Metro) (Clark County) means you'll cut down on garbage and make your lawn and garden happy with nutrient-rich soil, and therefore use less fertilizer that could wash away into rivers and streams.
Plant Native
Native plants resist pests, insects and are drought tolerant because they’re adapted to our area. Using less insecticide, fertilizer and watering means less of that stuff ends up in our waterways. Learn more about plant options for your native garden
here and
here.
Urban Trees
Tree canopies slow rainfall,
reduce runoff and watering needs, while their roots enhance water quality and reduce erosion. Plus we all know they improve our air.
Home
Pets
Pick up after your pets and toss it in the can. Bacteria from pet poo is measurable and harmful to our rivers. Click
here to see what the fuss is about. Also remember to keep dogs leashed in natural areas unless otherwise posted to reduce impact to wildlife, plants and stream banks.
Social
Social
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