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There are many subtle lifestyle changes that can contribute to the wellbeing of our water and water infrastructure.
From decreasing water use to proper disposal of materials like chemicals, grease, and bathroom products, we can all promote sustainable community practices.
Learn more about why each action is important:
Learn more about why each action is important:
Sweep up products used for de-icing or traction
These products can easily gets washed into the street and into storm drains. This can clog the drain, or it gets washed into the Bay, causing water pollution.
Unplug electronics or use a power strip
"Energy vampires" can use electricity without you even knowing it!
Dispose of grease properly
Grease solidifies as it cools, clogging drains -- collect it in a jar and trash it.
Take shorter showers
The less water that is used, the less water that has to be pumped and processed. Reduce your use by taking shorter showers.
Use natural products
Fewer chemicals and processing steps reduces a product’s environmental impact before and after use
Turn off lights when leaving a room
If nobody is using it, there's no point wasting energy!
Install efficient appliances
Energy Star appliances are known for their efficiency -- plus, items such as faucet aerators help save money!
Don't let chemicals go down storm drains
Storm drains flow directly to the Bay -- bringing all pollutants with it! If you wouldn’t put it in the lake, don’t put it in the storm drain!
Invest in a rain barrel
Wet weather events stress the sewer system due to Inflow and Infiltration issues. Stormwater retention is important to decreasing this stress. This water can also be used later!
Use less de-icing salt
De-icing salt (NaCl) can cause nutrient pollution in the Bay by adding too much Chlorine to the water. This may lead to harmful algae blooms (HABs) and dead zones.
Adopt a storm drain
Storm drains are important for the passage of stormwater into the Bay. These drains must stay clean and clear to avoid lake pollution and street flooding.
Avoid water use during rain/snowmelt events
Wet weather events stress the sewer system due to Inflow and Infiltration issues -- reduce that stress by using less water at these times!
Rake extra leaves and grass
Grass and leaf litter get clogged in storm drains, blocking water flow, as well as add to nutrient pollution in the lake. Keep them on your lawn, or compost them at the Public Works facility.
Disconnect downspouts
Sump pumps, downspouts, and other stormwater sources shouldn’t be connected to the sanitary sewer system.
Flush Wisely
Don’t flush anything but human waste and toilet paper! “Flushable” wipes AREN’T flushable!
Invest in a green roof or wall
These innovative efforts help in stormwater retention and filtration, in order to “Slow the Flow” and “Stop the Drop” before precipitation reaches the sewer system -- or even the ground!
Plant a rain garden
Wet weather events stress the sewer system due to Inflow and Infiltration issues. Stormwater retention is important to decreasing this stress. This also filters the water.
Reduce litter
Litter stays in the environment unless someone picks it up. This can often lead to pollution not only on land, but also in the Bay.
Educate yourself and others
In order to help, you have to know how -- so let’s get everyone informed! Share what you learn about Green Infrastructure in Ashland.
Hang-dry your clothes
After the fridge and the washer, the dryer uses the most energy. A clothesline in the sunshine is a zero-emission alternative.
Change lightbulbs to LEDS or CFLs
These bulbs use up to 85 percent less energy, last up to 25 times longer, and are cheaper to run than incandescent lights.
Use a programmable thermostat
A smart thermostat paired with insulated window treatments can stabilize your home’s internal temperature, avoiding the hot and cold swings that waste energy.
Clean or replace HVAC filters every three months
Dirty filters on your air conditioner or heater make the systems work harder and waste energy.
Wash clothes in cold water
Around 90 percent of the energy used to wash clothes comes from heating the water; only 10 percent comes from electricity for the washing machine.
Ditch your lawn
Not only do they displace native ecosystems -- lawns consume water, use gas (for all that mowing), and incentivize the use of pesticides. Plant native plants and let it grow!
Plant a tree
Trees are known to provide a variety of benefits ranging from increasing air quality, to catching carbon dioxide, to holding water, to psychological benefits.
Clean up a water body (river or beach)
By taking action to remove the pollution that clogs our local waterways, we can prevent more harmful effects downstream.
Calculate your household’s carbon footprint
The first step to reducing your carbon emissions is to understand how much you’re producing in the first place.
Calculate your household’s water footprint
Impervious surfaces like a roof or driveway can prevent large amounts of water from filtering into the soil. Learn how much!
Downsize and donate
One way to go green is to live with less -- less space to heat and cool, less consumption of goods, and less of a carbon footprint. Plus, donating what you don’t use is good for the community!
Use washable cloths instead of paper towels or napkins
Buy fabric in bulk and cut a tall stack of squares to use as napkins, kitchen towels, and rags. (Better yet, recycle your old clothes for this use.)
Ask your utility company about switching to renewable electricity
Energy.gov has helpful information related to going green in terms of energy usage -- check it out!
Install solar panels
Solar energy is still the most cost-effective source of renewable energy.
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