#21 Water efficiently!
Typically, up to 50% of water used by households is used outdoors. Efficient watering will not only help you save money and conserve water, but can also create a healthier landscape. Manatee County offers irrigation rebates and evaluations to residents. For more information visit http://manatee.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn_and_garden/water_wise/index.shtml
Tomorrow is Earth Day - challenge yourself to adopt at least one new environmentally-friendly habitat.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Earth Day Count Down - Day 20
#20 Buy Local!
Local food production can be thought of in concentric circles that start with growing food at home. The next ring out might be food grown in our immediate community - then state, region, and country. Buying local goes for more than just food, buying local saves on transportation costs and has a positive impact on our carbon footprint. For more information visit http://www.manateeedc.com/Buy-Local.aspx or http://farmlink.org/ to find local food & farms.
Local food production can be thought of in concentric circles that start with growing food at home. The next ring out might be food grown in our immediate community - then state, region, and country. Buying local goes for more than just food, buying local saves on transportation costs and has a positive impact on our carbon footprint. For more information visit http://www.manateeedc.com/Buy-Local.aspx or http://farmlink.org/ to find local food & farms.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Earth Day Count Down - Day 19
#19 Get Outside!
Getting outside is a fun, easy and low-cost way to spend time with your friends and family. The preserves of Manatee County offer a wonderful variety of animals and plants. Take a tour on foot or kayak. For more information go http://www.mymanatee.org/conservation.html or http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/ for regional information.
Getting outside is a fun, easy and low-cost way to spend time with your friends and family. The preserves of Manatee County offer a wonderful variety of animals and plants. Take a tour on foot or kayak. For more information go http://www.mymanatee.org/conservation.html or http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/ for regional information.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Earth Day Count Down - Day 18
#18 Include some wildlife!
Landscaping to attract wildlife brings nature close by welcoming it into our backyards. Planting certain trees, shrubs, and flowers can create an inviting atmosphere for songbirds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Another advantage of landscaping for wildlife is creating habitat for animals that have been displaced by community growth and development where space is limited. Visit http://manatee.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn_and_garden/backyard-habitat/index.shtml for more information.
Landscaping to attract wildlife brings nature close by welcoming it into our backyards. Planting certain trees, shrubs, and flowers can create an inviting atmosphere for songbirds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Another advantage of landscaping for wildlife is creating habitat for animals that have been displaced by community growth and development where space is limited. Visit http://manatee.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn_and_garden/backyard-habitat/index.shtml for more information.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Earth Day Count Down - Day 17
#17 Give it to the worms!
Vermiculture, or worm composting, allows you to compost your food waste faster than you ever imagined, while producing a high quality compost and compost tea. Best of all, it's self-contained and nearly odorless! Visit http://manateefyn.eventbrite.com/ to register for a class or go to http://livinggreen.ifas.ufl.edu/waste/composting.html for more information.
Vermiculture, or worm composting, allows you to compost your food waste faster than you ever imagined, while producing a high quality compost and compost tea. Best of all, it's self-contained and nearly odorless! Visit http://manateefyn.eventbrite.com/ to register for a class or go to http://livinggreen.ifas.ufl.edu/waste/composting.html for more information.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Earth Day Count Down - Day 16
#16 Choose Florida-Friendly!
Landscaping the Florida-Friendly way means using low maintenance plants and environmentally sustainable practices. Learn how you can have a beautiful landscape that could save you time, energy and money while protecting our future. Environmental protection begins in your yard. Visit http://manatee.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn_and_garden/fyn/index.shtml for more information.
Landscaping the Florida-Friendly way means using low maintenance plants and environmentally sustainable practices. Learn how you can have a beautiful landscape that could save you time, energy and money while protecting our future. Environmental protection begins in your yard. Visit http://manatee.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn_and_garden/fyn/index.shtml for more information.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Earth Day Count Down - Day 15
#15 Travel green!
Look for hotels that encourage guests to use less water or energy. Hang up your towels to dry so you can use them again. Use the sheets more than a night or two. When you go out, look for local foods and souvenirs to reduce transportation. Before you go, unplug your computer, DVD player, and other electronics, and turn down your thermostat. Visit http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/waterchamp/to find Water Champ Lodging or http://www.epa.gov/region1/communities/traveltips.html for more information.
Look for hotels that encourage guests to use less water or energy. Hang up your towels to dry so you can use them again. Use the sheets more than a night or two. When you go out, look for local foods and souvenirs to reduce transportation. Before you go, unplug your computer, DVD player, and other electronics, and turn down your thermostat. Visit http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/waterchamp/to find Water Champ Lodging or http://www.epa.gov/region1/communities/traveltips.html for more information.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Earth Day Count Down - Day 14
#14 Wait for the storm to pass!
Don't fertilize before a rain storm. Your fertilizer - along with your money – can just wash off your lawn and down the storm drain. Fertilizer runoff can pollute rivers, lakes, and bays, and cause problems in recreational areas or fishing grounds. Check the weather forecast before you head out, and wait for the storm to pass. Visit http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/greenscapes/owners.htm or http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/handbook/Fertilize_Appropriately_vSept09.pdf for more information.
Don't fertilize before a rain storm. Your fertilizer - along with your money – can just wash off your lawn and down the storm drain. Fertilizer runoff can pollute rivers, lakes, and bays, and cause problems in recreational areas or fishing grounds. Check the weather forecast before you head out, and wait for the storm to pass. Visit http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/greenscapes/owners.htm or http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/handbook/Fertilize_Appropriately_vSept09.pdf for more information.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Earth Day Count Down - Day 13
#13 Just bag it!
Help protect the environment when you shop. Keep reusable bags on your car seat or near your door so they are easy to grab when you go. And you can even combine shopping bags - just tell the cashier that you don't need a bag, then put all your purchases together in one bag… just be sure to hang on to your receipts! Visit http://www.epa.gov/osw/education/pubs/shopping.htm for more information.
Help protect the environment when you shop. Keep reusable bags on your car seat or near your door so they are easy to grab when you go. And you can even combine shopping bags - just tell the cashier that you don't need a bag, then put all your purchases together in one bag… just be sure to hang on to your receipts! Visit http://www.epa.gov/osw/education/pubs/shopping.htm for more information.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Earth Day Count Down - Day 12
#12 eCycle it!
Take your old computer, DVD player, or other electronics to an electronics recycling center. Reusing and recycling materials like copper, gold, and others saves natural resources and reduces mining and processing. eCycling also helps avoid land, air, and water pollution by capturing and reusing hazardous substances such as lead or chromium. Visit http://www.mymanatee.org/internet/utilities_site.nsf/ContentLookup/sw_e-scrap to find out how to dispose of your e-scrap.
Take your old computer, DVD player, or other electronics to an electronics recycling center. Reusing and recycling materials like copper, gold, and others saves natural resources and reduces mining and processing. eCycling also helps avoid land, air, and water pollution by capturing and reusing hazardous substances such as lead or chromium. Visit http://www.mymanatee.org/internet/utilities_site.nsf/ContentLookup/sw_e-scrap to find out how to dispose of your e-scrap.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Earth Day Count Down - Day 11
#11 Don't trash it - reuse it!
Be creative as you look for new ways to reduce the amount or kinds of household waste. Give cardboard tubes to pet hamsters or gerbils. Plant seeds in an egg carton. Make a flower pot out of a plastic ice cream tub. By thinking creatively, you will often find new uses for common items and new ways to recycle and reduce waste. Visit http://www.epa.gov/osw/wycd/catbook/tip12.htm for more information.
Be creative as you look for new ways to reduce the amount or kinds of household waste. Give cardboard tubes to pet hamsters or gerbils. Plant seeds in an egg carton. Make a flower pot out of a plastic ice cream tub. By thinking creatively, you will often find new uses for common items and new ways to recycle and reduce waste. Visit http://www.epa.gov/osw/wycd/catbook/tip12.htm for more information.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Earth Day Count Down - Day 10
#10 Make it a full load!
The average washing machine uses 40.9 gallons of water per load. If you buy a a new washer, shop for a high-efficiency washer that needs less than 28 gallons of water per load. To achieve even greater savings, wash only full loads of laundry or be sure to choose the appropriate load size on the washing machine. Visit http://www.epa.gov/watersense/water_efficiency/what_you_can_do.html for more information.
The average washing machine uses 40.9 gallons of water per load. If you buy a a new washer, shop for a high-efficiency washer that needs less than 28 gallons of water per load. To achieve even greater savings, wash only full loads of laundry or be sure to choose the appropriate load size on the washing machine. Visit http://www.epa.gov/watersense/water_efficiency/what_you_can_do.html for more information.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Earth Day Count Down - Day 9
#9 Make your home an Energy Star!
When you do home maintenance, also do a home energy audit to find out how you can save money by making your home more energy efficiency. And if every American home replaced just one conventional light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes a year. Visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_improvement.hm_improvement_index for more information.
When you do home maintenance, also do a home energy audit to find out how you can save money by making your home more energy efficiency. And if every American home replaced just one conventional light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes a year. Visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_improvement.hm_improvement_index for more information.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Earth Day Count Down - Day 8
#8 Don't be a drip - fix that leak!
Leaky faucets can waste thousands of gallons of water each year, like money down the drain. Repair or replace old or damaged fixtures. If you're not sure you have a leak, check the water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak. Visit http://www.epa.gov/watersense/water_efficiency/what_you_can_do.html for more information.
Leaky faucets can waste thousands of gallons of water each year, like money down the drain. Repair or replace old or damaged fixtures. If you're not sure you have a leak, check the water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak. Visit http://www.epa.gov/watersense/water_efficiency/what_you_can_do.html for more information.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Earth Day Count Down - Day 7
#7 Don't let pet waste run off!
You can help reduce polluted storm water runoff by just picking up your pet's poop and dispose of it properly. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria or organic material to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local waterbodies. So remember - always scoop the poop! Visit http://www.epa.gov/weatherchannel/stormwater.html and http://sarasotabay.org/nar-poochesfortheplanet.html for more information.
You can help reduce polluted storm water runoff by just picking up your pet's poop and dispose of it properly. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria or organic material to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local waterbodies. So remember - always scoop the poop! Visit http://www.epa.gov/weatherchannel/stormwater.html and http://sarasotabay.org/nar-poochesfortheplanet.html for more information.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Earth Day Count Down - Day 6
#6 Read the label!
You might not realize it, but on a pesticide container, the label is the law. Pesticide product labels provide critical safety information for handling and use. Pesticides are powerful substances, but when used according to the label they are safe and effective. So … always use pesticides safely, at home or in the field. Always read the label. Visit http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/label/ for more information.
You might not realize it, but on a pesticide container, the label is the law. Pesticide product labels provide critical safety information for handling and use. Pesticides are powerful substances, but when used according to the label they are safe and effective. So … always use pesticides safely, at home or in the field. Always read the label. Visit http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/label/ for more information.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Earth Day Count Down - Day 5
#5 Make it a full load!
Run your dishwasher only when it's full. Don't pre-rinse dishes - tests show pre-rinsing doesn't improve dishwasher cleaning, and you'll save as much as 20 gallons of water per load. When you buy a new dishwasher, look for one that saves water. Water-efficient models use only about only about 4 gallons per wash. Visit http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/florida_water_star_gold/ for more information.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Earth Day Count Down - Day 4
#4 Reduce your carbon footprint!
Leaving your car at home twice a week can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 1,600 pounds per year. Save up errands and shopping trips so you need to drive fewer times. If you commute to work, ask if you can work from home at least some days, and you'll reduce air pollution and traffic congestion - and save money. Visit http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/road.html for more information
Leaving your car at home twice a week can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 1,600 pounds per year. Save up errands and shopping trips so you need to drive fewer times. If you commute to work, ask if you can work from home at least some days, and you'll reduce air pollution and traffic congestion - and save money. Visit http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/road.html for more information
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Earth Day Count Down - Day 3
#3 Be sensible!
The Earth might seem like it has abundant water, but in fact only one percent of all water on the planet is available for humans. Buy fixtures and products that are water efficient – you can use less water to get the same job done just as well. When you go shopping, look for the WaterSense label to find water efficient products. Visit http://www.h2ouse.org/index.cfm for more information.
The Earth might seem like it has abundant water, but in fact only one percent of all water on the planet is available for humans. Buy fixtures and products that are water efficient – you can use less water to get the same job done just as well. When you go shopping, look for the WaterSense label to find water efficient products. Visit http://www.h2ouse.org/index.cfm for more information.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Earth Day Count Down - Day 2
#2 Shower power!
A full bathtub requires about 70 gallons of water, but taking a five-minute shower saves water by using 10 to 25 gallons. Put a little timer or clock near your shower so you can see how fast you are. Save even more water, and money on your water bill, by installing a water-efficient showerhead, or ask your landlord to install one if you rent. Exchange your high volume showerhead for a low flow (2 gallons per minute) showerhead at the Manatee County Utility Complex, Bldg 4412, 4410 66th Street West, Bradenton. Visit http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/thepowerof10/ to find out your water usage using the water calculator
A full bathtub requires about 70 gallons of water, but taking a five-minute shower saves water by using 10 to 25 gallons. Put a little timer or clock near your shower so you can see how fast you are. Save even more water, and money on your water bill, by installing a water-efficient showerhead, or ask your landlord to install one if you rent. Exchange your high volume showerhead for a low flow (2 gallons per minute) showerhead at the Manatee County Utility Complex, Bldg 4412, 4410 66th Street West, Bradenton. Visit http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/thepowerof10/ to find out your water usage using the water calculator
Today is Earth Day!
Today is earth day! Celebrate by enjoying the outdoors, take a walk.
#22 Compost it! Compost helps improve soil so it holds more water and plants grow better. Allow grass clippings to stay on the lawn, instead of bagging them. The cut grass will decompose and return to the soil naturally. Food scraps and kitchen waste also make good compost, and you save money on fertilizers or other additives. Earth Machine compost bins with compost class available to Manatee County Residents for $25. Visit http://manateefyn.eventbrite.com/ to register for a class or go to http://manatee.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn_and_garden/fyn/CompostInformation.shtml for more information.
#22 Compost it! Compost helps improve soil so it holds more water and plants grow better. Allow grass clippings to stay on the lawn, instead of bagging them. The cut grass will decompose and return to the soil naturally. Food scraps and kitchen waste also make good compost, and you save money on fertilizers or other additives. Earth Machine compost bins with compost class available to Manatee County Residents for $25. Visit http://manateefyn.eventbrite.com/ to register for a class or go to http://manatee.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn_and_garden/fyn/CompostInformation.shtml for more information.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Earth Day Count Down - Day 1
Earth Day is April 22nd! We will be counting down with a tip a day to help you make your April a little greener.
#1 Recycle the rain!
Harvesting rainwater using a rain barrel helps supplement irrigation for a small cost. Storing rainwater also helps reduce stormwater runoff, which can lead to reduced levels of pesticides and fertilizers in our water. Visit http://manateefyn.eventbrite.com/ to register for a class or go to http://manatee.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn_and_garden/fyn/rain-barrel.shtml for more information.
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