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Here are a few
ways of reducing your yard's environmental impact. For additional
tips and information download the EPA's Better
Backyards Manual.
Conserve water.
Using less water means less water needs to be treated
at drinking water and sewage treatment plants. This increases
their efficiency and saves energy by reducing the amount of
water that needs to be pumped. Some ways of reducing water
consumption are:
• Water in
the early morning or early evening. Watering during this time
minimizes evaporation while maximizing the amount plants absorb.
• Give your grass only 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week
and don't water when rain is anticipated.
• Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses instead of sprinklers.
• Use rain barrels to collect rainwater. Rain barrels
reduce soil erosion and runoff, while giving you a source
of water for your garden. You can attend a rain barrel workshop and purchase a barrel through ICPRB or choose from other companies. Here are just a few of the websites we have found: Arid Solutions, Inc. , a company based in New Mexico with innovative barrel designs to fit in with home decor. Aaron's Rain Barrels in Virginia promotes the conservation of rainwater. Aquabarrel is another group that sells and installs barrels in our area. Download a brochure covering frequently asked questions about rain barrels and what features you should look for when purchasing one.
Practice conservation
landscaping. Our yard is often our greatest contact with
nature. By landscaping properly we can reduce our impact on
the environment while creating a landscape that more closely
mimics the natural world.
• Plant native
trees and shrubs - they reduce erosion and run-off, reduce
heating and air conditioning bills, create habitat for wildlife,
and decrease your yard's need for water. If you live in Frederick County, Md., you are eligible for 25 free seedlings through the Maryland DNR's Backyard Buffer program! Seedlings can be planted on private property. Tree-Mendous Maryland offers saplings at a reduced cost for planting projects in public areas, such as community parks, schools, churches, etc. These trees cannot be planted on private property.
• Reduce the size of your lawn. Shrinking your lawn by
adding gardens, shrubs, trees and/or meadows adds diversity,
reduces maintenance and watering and creates habitat.
• Learn Bay-Wise landscaping techniques to help improve your landscape, help the environment, and save time and money. Visit your local County Extension Office or speak with a Master Gardener about Bay-Wise. The ICPRB is beginning to offer landscaping workshops covering topics such as bird and butterfly gardens, xeriscapes, and native meadows to public groups. Contact Jen Willoughby for more information.
Reduce your
use of pesticides and fertilizers. These chemicals, some
of which take years to break down, can end up in our water
and harm fish, wildlife and us!
• The average
homeowner uses ten times more fertilizer than is necessary
- test your soil before applying fertilizer.
• Leave grass clipping on the lawn. By removing them
you are removing a natural fertilizer and filling up our landfills.
• Use a reel mower if possible. They cut grass more efficiently
thereby reducing grasses need for water and fertilizer - and
they don't create air and noise pollution.
• Practice smart pest management. Check your plants regularly
for problems, treat only the affected area, and look for non-toxic
alternatives such as non-toxic chemicals and beneficial insects.
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