The 90-Day Plan: DAY 61

DAY 61

 

Encourage your family, friends, neighbors and anyone else you know to REDUCE the USE of LANDSCAPE PESTICIDES, HERBICIDES, and FERTILIZERS, especially fertilizers containing phosphorus.  You can tell if it is phosphorus free by reading the label; the Nitrogen content is the first number, phosphorus is the second, and potassium is listed third.  The over-use and runoff of these products leads to harmful algae blooms which causes 'dead zones' and poisons aquaculture.    

 

Challenge:  Name three water-specific types of collateral damage from each: pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.  Pouring boiling water on weeds or pulling them is a safe method of removal; what are other safe remedies for weeds and pests?  Why do plants treated with fertilizer require more water?

 

For More Information:

 

http://www.govlink.org/hazwaste/house/yard/lawn/chemicals.html

http://www.beyondpesticides.org/

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 60

DAY 60

 

It is estimated that 30-50% of outdoor watering is wasted; save water and money by WATERING in the MORNING or in the EVENING. 

 

Make sure you don't water the sidewalk or driveway.

 

Challenge:   About half of our drinking water comes from groundwater, why is it more important to recharge the ground water than to have it evaporate?  Get a rain gauge or use an empty can to determine how much you need to water.

 

For More Information:

 

http://www.epa.gov/watersense/water/simple.htm

 

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 59

DAY 59

Our yards get a lot of use during nice months don't just mow over it, MAKE YOUR YARD WORK FOR YOU.  During WWII backyard gardens grew the same amount of produce commercial agriculture did.  What types of fruits and vegetables can be grown in your area?

Challenge:   What is a Freedom Lawn?  Estimate how much water, time, and money you spend on landscaping.  Is it possible to put that money to better use?

  

Extra Challenge:  Purchase a manual push mower to completely cut lawn care costs.

For More Information:

http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe40s/crops_02.html

www.ncrs.usda.gov/Feature/backyard

FW: On Water news: 17 August

Editorial: Sinking the water bond Hanford Sentinel Final well-killing procedure is pushed back L.A. Times / by Richard Fausset Louisiana shrimping season reopens after spill S.F. Chronicle / by Cain Burdeau and Mary Foster (Associated Press) UN says millions without help in Pakistan floods Sacramento Bee / by Ashraf Kahn (Associated Press) San Diego water use down 11 percent San Diego Union-Tribune / by Mike Lee With water funds tight, Atwater focuses on repairing one well Merced Sun-Star / by Mike North Judge denies 2008 request to halt Cambria desalination project San Luis Obispo Tribune / by Bert Etling Feds find Klamath reservoir muck nontoxic; determination key to efforts to remove four Klamath River dams Eureka Times-Standard / by John Driscoll More fish seem to be living in Napa River Napa Valley Register / by Mike Treleven Economic plans at the heart of 2010 Tahoe Summit Reno Gazette-Journal / by Frank X. Mullen Jr. Hearing set in Asian Carp suit against feds Contra Costa Times Editorial: Shrinking Mead Salt Lake Tribune Fly Fishers Serving as Transports for Noxious Little Invaders N.Y. Times / by Felicity Barringer Researchers find Lake Tahoe not getting murkier Sacramento Bee Tahoe's clarity declines slightly Tahoe Daily Tribune / by Matthew Renda Opinion: Los Angeles hasn't let up in beach water monitoring Torrance Daily Breeze / by Enrique C. Zaldivar Opinion: Pesticide pollution must be curbed in urban areas, too San Jose Mercury News / by Mary-Ann Warmerdam Fresno State prof's idea saves water Fresno Bee / by Robert Rodriguez West Point water fix up for board discussion Tue. Sonora Union-Democrat / by Sean Janssen Board narrowly approves water plan applicants Siskiyou Daily News / by David Smith Short work made of tearing down Woodland's towering water tank Woodland Daily Democrat / by James Noonan Original post blogged on b2evolution.

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The 90-Day Plan: DAY 58

DAY 58

Let's go back outside to INVESTIGATE YOUR YARD.  Take a close look at what lives there and determine if your yard could serve as a sanctuary.  Backyard sanctuaries promote biodiversity, a healthy environment, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Challenge:   How many mosquitoes can one bat consume in one night?  How can a bat house(s) benefit your backyard and your community?  Is there food, water, and shelter for wildlife in your yard?

For More Information:

http://www.nwf.org/backyard/

http://www.audubon.org

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 57

DAY 57

Although it may not seem like it, air inside your home is usually dirtier than air outside.  CLEAR the AIR with a houseplant.

Challenge:  What plants are best to add some aesthetic value to a room?  What harmful contaminants can plants help to remove from your home?  Have you ever considered giving a live plant or flowers in place of cut flowers?

For More Information:

http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4DMG/Plants/clean.htm

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 56

DAY 56

Choosing products that promote QUALITY OVER QUANTITY is a core approach to conservation.  The idea is to buy and use something that lasts because it ultimately saves money and precious resources.

BUY LESS, SAVE MORE

Challenge:   Consider the durable items you have (it could be a sturdy backpack, pair of jeans, a bike, or anything else).  How much money do you think not having to replace them has saved you?

For More Information:

www.betruetoblue.com

www.patagonia.com