The 90-Day Plan: RESURFACING and Updates!

Howdy!

Thanks for following The 90-Day Plan: 90 Ways in 90 Days to Clean & Conserve Water!  We apologize that we have been under the radar and below the surface for a couple weeks.  Field work and explorations called us away from the web. We hope that you have been following Dave Cornthwaite's source-to-sea paddle--he's in Baton Rouge!

Anyhow, below you can find the days we didn't send out on time. Please expect us to keep you current the rest of the ride thought!

Cheers,

Kristian and the BTS Exploration Team

The 90 Day Plan - 90 Ways in 90 Days
The 90 Day Plan: Day 62  The summer heat adds stress to trees, bushes, and other plants by speeding up transpiration (or the evaporation of water from parts of the plant). SPREAD a LAYER of MULCH around all plants outdoors to help minimize water loss. Using a two-three inch layer of mulch around plants is also a natural way to keep weeds under control. For More Information:  www.belowthesurface.org Challenge: Composting organic materials such as yard clippings and kitchen waste prevents hundreds of pounds sent to the landfill every year and saves water if you use this instead of the garbage disposal. Design a plan to build a compost bin for your home. The 90 Day Plan - 90 Ways in 90 Days The 90 Day Plan: Day 63  Too much water can be a bad thing: ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT EROSION! By reducing the amount of water that flows from your property and ensuring that it is absorbed into the ground instead of flowing into storm drains, you will play an important role in reducing flash floods downstream. For More Information:  www.belowthesurface.org Challenge: How much runoff does a one-acre parking lot produce compared to one-acre grassy field? The 90 Day Plan - 90 Ways in 90 Days The 90 Day Plan: Day 64  From the street to the sea—before you do anything else today, go outside and make sure your closest STORM DRAIN is CLEAN. Storm drains are the fastest route for water to travel from the street to the ocean and they send almost 70% of nonpoint pollution downstream to our lakes, rivers, and oceans. About half of all stormwater comes from our homes, driveways, and sidewalks. For More Information:  www.belowthesurface.org   Challenge: Why is it better to sweep driveways and sidewalks instead of hosing debris into storm drains? Get involved with or create a local storm drain-stenciling program and search for innovative ways to keep trash out of the gutter. Ask your municipality to consider installing screens and covers on all storm drains. After all, it's downstream from there. The 90 Day Plan - 90 Ways in 90 Days The 90 Day Plan: Day 65  DON'T OVERWATER! More plants die from too much water than from not getting enough water. Before watering, check the soil two or three inches down, if it's moist watering can wait. For More Information:  www.belowthesurface.org Challenge: Research the amount of water plants in your yard need and come up with three easy ways to check if they need to be watered. Having the lawn frequently aerated is also a way to reduce the amount of needed water. The 90 Day Plan - 90 Ways in 90 Days The 90 Day Plan: Day 66  During the next storm place a bucket under a downspout and time how long it takes to fill. Then, GRAB a RAIN-BARREL and start collecting water from your roof. Rainwater is free, contains no chlorine, and arrives to your home without the need for filtration and pumping. If you can't do some of these things at home, it may be possible for your school, business, and/or local government to look into these tips. Just ask! For More Information:  www.belowthesurface.org Challenge: Given the size of your roof, how much rainwater can you capture during a typical storm? The 90 Day Plan - 90 Ways in 90 Days The 90 Day Plan: Day 67  Pick a spot and PLANT a TREE. Why not? Research different types of native trees and choose one that would be best for your yard. For More Information:  www.belowthesurface.org   Challenge: What age do you think the oldest tree is on your property? Why do native trees and plants use less water than non-native species? Get a thermometer, how hot is it in the full sun? What is the temperature in the shade? The 90 Day Plan - 90 Ways in 90 Days The 90 Day Plan: Day 68  RECYCLE PAPER save some blue, and make some green for your school or workplace. Recycling one ton of paper is the equivalent of saving 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of water. For More Information:  www.belowthesurface.org Challenge: Determine ways for your school or classroom to use less paper. The 90 Day Plan - 90 Ways in 90 Days The 90 Day Plan: Day 69  Don't just recycle, E-CYCLE. Electronic waste is a growing concern; fortunately most electronics can be recycled. Electronics contain many heavy metals and other dangerous chemicals but most of these can be recycled. For More Information:  www.belowthesurface.org Challenge: On June 12th we made the digital transition and no doubt, left some electronics behind. Work with some friends, coworkers, or local teachers to organize an e-waste recycling fundraiser. The 90 Day Plan - 90 Ways in 90 Days The 90 Day Plan: Day 70  Ink leaves our mark on paper, what does it leave for the water? RECYCLE INK CARTRIDGES. For More Information:  www.belowthesurface.org   Challenge: How do you dispose of ink cartridges? Suggest a way for your workplace, school, or community group to raise money by collecting empty cartridges. Also, try to make the switch to using soy-based inks. The 90 Day Plan - 90 Ways in 90 Days The 90 Day Plan: Day 71  You've made it this far, take it one step further and aim to produce ZERO WASTE. For More Information:  www.belowthesurface.org Challenge: Create a 100% recyclable and compostable grocery list The 90 Day Plan - 90 Ways in 90 Days The 90 Day Plan: Day 72  Learning from our past can be used to shape our future; help your workplace, school, or township LEED the WAY to a better, more efficient future. LEED is a certification that stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design that promotes sustainable development. For More Information:  www.belowthesurface.org Challenge: Are any buildings in your area that have been LEED certified? The 90 Day Plan - 90 Ways in 90 Days The 90 Day Plan: Day 73  GET on the BUS; don't put up a fuss (for a ride). For More Information:  www.belowthesurface.org   Challenge: How many miles is your commute? Think of three ways you can commute to work without riding alone. What is the carbon dioxide Parts Per Million (PPM) threshold for coral reefs?