PERSONAL POLLUTION PREVENTION TIPS - Volunteer!!!

YARD
- Choose the least toxic yard chemicals available
- Never apply yard chemicals before a rain that can cause a run-off
- Read and follow usage, disposable, and storage guidelines found on product label when applying fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides
- Never dump yard waste down storm drains or in creeks.  Yard waste can be composted or picked up curbside
- Buy only the amount needed to complete the job.
- Sweep up excess chemicals off driveways and sidewalks.  This will prevent these chemicals from washing away during a rain event into nearby storm drains and waterways
- Choose disease resistant and hardy plants for your landscape design
- Test your soil to ensure proper chemical applications

HOME
- Maintain your septic tank
- Use environmentally safe cleaning products.
- Dispose of cleaners, oil, and other chemicals properly
- Pick up your pet's waste and dispose of it properly.
- Dispose of home generated trash properly
- Recycle where it's available
- Reuse items where possible
- It is ILLEGAL to place, dump, rake, or blow anything down storm drains
- Consider installing alternatives to impervious surfaces to reduce runoff
- Create a rain garden   Click here for illustration
- Volunteer to mark your neighborhood storm drains with "drains to creek" stencils

VEHICLE
- Keep your vehicle properly tuned
- Properly dispose of used motor oil at a certified waste oil recycling facility
- Do not litter
- Avoid aggressive braking.  Tire marks and brake dust are toxic and run off into streams and rivers.
- Shake the Nozzle.  Be careful not to drip gasoline at the pump.  Do not top off gas tank.
- Avoid the blue windshield washer fluid, which contains volatile organic chemicals.  Use water and vinegar instead
- Keep tires properly inflated for longer use and better mileage.  Avoid excessive acceleration.
- Use biodegradable soaps when washing your vehicle.
- Do not idle your engine for more than one minute