WHAT YOU CAN DO!
YARD AND GARDEN ...
Go Native.
Incorporating native plants in your landscaping can help reduce your water consumption, the amount of mowing you have to do, and the need to fertilize your yard. The extensive roots systems of native plants also increase the amount of stormwater your property can absorb, which helps reduce the risk of flooding. To learn more, click here .
Roll Out the Barrel.
Connecting your downspout to a rain barrel is a simple way to save money on your water bill. The water you collect can be used to water landscaping, and using a rain barrel helps reduce flooding during heavy rains. For more information, visit http://www.bridgingthegap.org/egap.php?id=133 .
Compost.
According to the Johnson County Environmental Department, 17% of the material we send to the landfill is food waste; another 11% is yard waste. As the county landfill gets closer to reaching its capacity, waste disposal costs will increase for everyone. You can help address this problem by composting your food and yard waste at home (and you'll get some great fertilizer for your garden and flower beds in the process). To learn more, click here .
Make Mowing Reel Fun.
Small gas engines such as those found on lawn mowers and other outdoor equipment do not have catalytic converters and emit far more pollution per gallon of fuel burned than the average car. Replacing your gas-powered mower with a manual reel mower helps reduce air pollution and will reduce your exposure to toxic substances found in gasoline.
Keep Your Mower Parked on Ozone Alert Days.
Lawn mowers and other gas powered yard equipment emit volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides, two pollutants that form ground-level ozone, or smog. When an Ozone Alert is issued, you can help reduce ozone pollution concentrations by postponing mowing until the Alert has passed. You can get the region's daily ozone forecast at www.marc.org .
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