New Year Goals for 2018

Start the new year right by setting a goal to become a Greener Neighbor in 2018! Get started by taking on one (or more!) of the simple actions below:

Reduce your use of fertilizer and weed & bug killers.Practice healthy lawn care this year! Weed and bug killers can harm our children and pets, and fertilizer can pollute our water. Click here to learn more about healthy lawn care practices that build healthy soil for a beautiful lawn without weed and bug killers and with reduced use of fertilizer. 

 

Direct gutter downspouts to a rain barrel or vegetation.

By directing your gutter downspouts into a rain barrel or vegetation, you'll not only conserve water, but you'll also stop water from running off of your property and into a nearby stream or storm drain, collecting pollutants along the way. For more information on rain barrels, contact the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District at 207-892-4700.

 

 

 

 

Pick up after your pet and throw it in the trash or flush it down the toilet.

Improper pet waste disposal can cause serious problems for our waterways. Pet waste that is left on the ground or thrown into a storm drain can enter our water after it rains or when the snow melts. Pet waste in our water can cause beach closures due to high levels of bacteria, increase weed and algae growth and use up oxygen that fish and other aquatic life need to survive. Make sure to scoop it, bag it, and trash it when you're out with your pet.

Wash your car on the lawn or at a car wash.

Washing your car on the lawn or at a car wash can help prevent soapy water from running into nearby streams or storm drains and ending up in our waterways. Many car washes also reuse their water, so you can feel good about reducing your water usage!

Never dump anything down a storm drain. Most storm drains empty out directly into the closet water body. This means they carry trash, oil, pet waste, and more right into our water! Always remember - only rain down the drain.

   Tell your friends and neighbors what you hope to do in 2018, and challenge them to do the same! Let's work together to help keep our waterways clean and healthy.