Green Tips for Every Day

Enjoy these green living tips from CNC Senior Naturalist, Janea Little: 1) Don’t water your lawn -- no need to purchase sprinkler equipment, pay for extra water use, or mow as frequently. 2) Use the savings from #1 to replace 50% of your “lawn” with a landscape of native species. It doesn’t matter whether you want short plants or tall, flowers or trees, fruiting shrubs or intriguing shapes – there are native plants that can satisfy you. 3) Save gas by parking at the far end of the mega parking lot instead of circling for the closest spot. BONUS BENEFIT: If your child is in a biology class and needs to make an insect collection, check the car grills on your way in! 4) Instead of your downspouts shooting water into the already over-loaded storm sewers, let them drain into a rain garden, rain barrel, or just a big wading pool that the family pooch can enjoy. Be careful with the wading pool, though, because birds, butterflies and other wildlife will sometimes try to drink from this “pond”, only to learn too late that there is no way out. You can solve this safety hazard by putting a large rock or a few bricks in one spot, so the struggling animal can crawl out of the water. 5) Other water-saving techniques include collecting water that you usually just send down the drain, such as that first gallon of cold water from the shower head, water from steaming veggies, etc. All of that water (several gallons’ worth for most families) can be used again for the pooch, or for the garden, planter boxes or some of your newly-planted native trees. 6) Compost. It saves water (if you normally use a garbage disposal) and reduces the waste sent to the landfill. It also gets you OUTDOORS – to make use of your new treasure (rich soil!). 7) Step away from the TV now and then to take a walk, or read a book about nature. And of course, make sure your TV, DVD player and other electronic equipment is plugged into a power strip, so you can shut power off to them completely. For other tips on saving energy and living green, check out the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy and The Daily Green.