It’s a fast-paced world we live in. Juggling work, family, friends, and the infinite other responsibilities in life is a tough task. It can be easy to overlook the impact our everyday activities can affect the environment.
The good news, is it doesn’t have to be that way! Here are a few easy ways YOU can help keep your community’s storm drains clean and minimize pollution.
1. Use Fertilizers and Pesticides Sparingly on Your Property
Fertilizers and pesticides contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment. As a result, when these materials end up in our waterways, they can cause harmful algae and create “dead zones.” No fish or plant life can survive in these areas.
Never over fertilize your lawn and garden. Do not fertilize near ditches, gutters or storm drains. You can prevent pollution of storm drains by never overwatering your lawn and not fertilizing before a big rain. These are the leading causes of storm drain pollution.
Many members of your community have taken action by exploring organic options to keep their lawn green. Click here to check out Home Depot’s selection of Organic Lawn Care Products.
2. Be Responsible with Automotive Waste and Cleaners
Oil, antifreeze and other automotive cleaners and materials are toxic. If these toxins reach our waterways, they can kill fish and wildlife. As a result, many of these toxins can remain in waterways for generations.
To prevent pollution of storm drains, wash your car on the grass. The soil can act as a filter and runoff from rainwater is less likely to bring harmful materials to the drain. You can also take your vehicle to the car wash where the water is disposed of safely.
Also, take care of your car. Have a mechanic check your vehicles for fluid leaks. Recycle your used motor oil and never pour it down the storm drain.
3. Dispose of Hazardous Waste Properly
Paint, cleaners, batteries, and other household chemicals can reach your storm drains if not disposed of safely.Try using natural alternatives and never discard hazardous materials with regular trash. Contact your local solid waste authority and ask about approved hazardous waste disposal locations. (Celebration, Kissimmee)
4. Use a Professional Trash Can Cleaning Service
Hosing down your trash can may not be as effective as you think. The dirt and grime buildup in your garbage container can be home to millions of bacteria and harsh chemicals. The resulting dirty wash water from manually cleaning your own can may run down your street and reach your storm drains. The smells and stains are unpleasant and the worst part is that you’re probably still left with a dirty trash can.
Clean Cans Professional Can Cleaning service uses 100% self-contained equipment with Eco-Friendly cleaning solutions. A high pressure, 200-degree wash process kills 99.9% of bacteria. All of the wash water is collected in a self-contained wastewater tank onboard the can cleaning vehicles. It is then transferred to a safe disposal site. This will prevent pollution of storm drains in your community.
Clean Cans is Your Neighborhood Can Cleaning Service. Now serving Celebration, Davenport and Kissimmee FL.
5. Take Pride in Your Community. YOU Can Prevent Pollution.
Litter and other debris are an eyesore, and harmful to the environment. Have pride in your community. Pick up after yourself and encourage others to do the same. Most of all, think before you dump anything down the drains in your community. YOU can prevent storm drain pollution.
Learn more about keeping our waterways clean at OceanConservancy.org.