The 90-Day Plan: DAY 61

The 90 Day Plan - 90 Ways in 90 Days
The 90 Day Plan: 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. For More Information:  www.belowthesurface.org		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?

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 60

The 90 Day Plan - 90 Ways in 90 Days
The 90 Day Plan: 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. For More Information:  www.belowthesurface.org		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.

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 59

The 90 Day Plan - 90 Ways in 90 Days
The 90 Day Plan: 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? For More Information:  www.belowthesurface.org		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? Purchase a manual push mower to completely cut lawn care costs.

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 58

The 90 Day Plan - 90 Ways in 90 Days
The 90 Day Plan: 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. For More Information:  www.belowthesurface.org		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?

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 57

The 90 Day Plan - 90 Ways in 90 Days
The 90 Day Plan: 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. For More Information:  www.belowthesurface.org		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?

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 56

The 90 Day Plan - 90 Ways in 90 Days
The 90 Day Plan: 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. For More Information:  www.belowthesurface.org		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?