Outdoors & Garden

Chemical-Free Gardening

Commercial pesticides and herbicides can cause harm to human neurological, reproductive and integumentary systems. Instead of buying commercial chemicals, consider creating your own blend using one garlic bulb, one medium onion and one tablespoon cayenne pepper mixed into one quart of water. Use this blend as a spray to send away insects and slugs from your garden.

Consider Native Turf

Sustainable landscaping can prevent a plethora of adverse consequences. Anything that washes off your yard and street (like lawn fertilizer, eroded soil, pet waste and leaves) runs directly into storm drains and then into our streams, ponds and lakes. Try to select deep-rooted native grasses for your lawn. Minimal watering and fertilization is needed after planting these.

Garden Goodness

Plant a garden of yummy foods this year, or join a community garden if you don't have land to plant your own garden. Do some research on what will grow best in your area and be on the lookout for other gardening tips.

Ice Ain't Nice

Especially when it's covering your sidewalk! Here are two ways to be more environmentally-friendly when removing ice from your sidewalks: First, you can chop it manually with your shovel. Second you can find environmentally-friendly de-icing salt.

Keep the Pavement Clean

Sustainable landscaping can be more important than you may realize. Anything that washes off your driveway or street (like lawn fertilizer, eroded soil, pet waste and leaves) runs directly into storm drains and then into our streams, ponds and lakes. Consider sweeping your grass clippings, leaves and fertilizer away from driveways and streets to prevent this type of runoff.

Rain, Rain, Don't Go Away!

Set up a rain barrel to catch rainwater from the gutters of your home or apartment to use for watering plants, flowers, gardens and washing cars. Try an inexpensive food-grade drum (which you could get from a drum and barrel supplier for about $10). Make sure your container doesn't let in light, though, because clear barrels can speed the growth of algae in the water.

Sometimes Snow Stinks

The most environmentally-thoughtful way to remove snow is with a good ol' shovel. If you are clearing a manageable area, try to avoid using a snow blower.