How to Dispose of Leaves the Bay-Friendly Way
Fallen leaves shouldn't end up in the landfill or the burn pile. Instead, consider mulching, composting or curbside collection. (Read Article)
Reduce Air Pollution
Use electric or manual lawn mowers and yard tools instead of gas-powered machines that can pollute our air.
Be Bay-Friendly at Work
Encourage your coworkers to be Bay-friendly by packing trash-free lunches, recycling office paper or using less water and electricity.
Prevent Invasive Species
Thoroughly clean your boat hull and all fishing gear before moving to another body of water.
Reduce Pesticide Use
Instead of applying chemical pesticides to your sidewalk or garden, use boiling water to kill weeds, ant colonies and other pests.
Keep Sewage On Board
Keep sewage on board your boat in a portable toilet or holding tank. Dispose of it only at an approved pump-out facility.
Improve Wildlife Habitat
Plant a wide variety of plants, trees and shrubs in your yard to attract different kinds of wildlife.
Reduce Polluted Runoff
Spread mulch over bare ground to prevent soil erosion and stop the flow of polluted runoff from your lawn into local waterways.
Fish Responsibly
Follow fishing regulations like size or bag limits to help protect the Bay's fish stocks.
Reduce Polluted Runoff
Instead of asphalt or concrete, use porous surfaces like gravel or pavers to pave your driveway or patio.
Use Chemical-Free Personal Products
Use chemical-free lotions, cosmetics and perfumes to keep chemicals from washing off of our bodies and into our waterways.
Use Fertilizer Properly
Do not apply fertilizer to dormant lawns or frozen ground, where it could easily run off your property and into storm drains.
Use Chemical-Free Cleaning Products
Use chemical-free cleaning products to keep chemicals out of our waterways. Plain soap and water can rid surfaces of bacteria and are safer for our water supply.
Conserve Water
Instead of sprinklers, use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to water your lawn and garden.
How to Test Your Soil
Knowing what nutrients are in your soil can help plants and the Bay! (Read Article)
How to Drive the Bay-Friendly Way
Most of us can’t stop driving altogether. But there are lots of ways we can send less pollution into our air and water – and save a few extra gallons at the same time. (Read Article)
Fish Responsibly
Practice proper catch-and-release fishing techniques to avoid harming and killing the Bay's fish.
Reduce Polluted Runoff
Make sure your home's downspouts drain onto grass or gravel rather than paved driveways or sidewalks.
Test Your Soil
Test your soil to determine how much fertilizer your lawn needs (if any at all) and the best time to apply it.
Reduce Emissions
When possible, walk, bike or take public transportation to reduce vehicle emissions that can pollute our air and water.
Reduce Emissions
Avoid letting your car idle. Idling for even 10 seconds can waste fuel, damage your engine and pollute our air and water.
Stash Your Trash
Stow and secure used bags, bottles, fishing lines and other trash on your boat so litter doesn't fall into the water.
Don't Overapply Fertilizer
Use only the amount of lawn fertilizer you need. Twice the product won't make your lawn twice as green!
Prevent Fuel Spills
Prevent fuel spills by using a funnel and not "topping off" when you fill your boat's fuel tank.
Recycle Used Motor Oil
Properly dispose of used motor oil and antifreeze. Many gas stations and landfills have oil recycling programs.
Prevent Invasive Species
Never dump bait or aquarium species into a storm drain or body of water. Introduced species can become invasive.
Fix Car Leaks
Fix car leaks so engine fluids like oil and antifreeze don't drip onto the ground and run off into local waterways.
Conserve Water
Put a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up. Use the extra water for plants or pet bowls.
Compost Kitchen Scraps
Instead of throwing kitchen scraps down the garbage disposal, compost them to create a rich soil for potted and in-ground plants.
Clean Your Boat Properly
Use extreme caution when painting and cleaning your boat to avoid polluting the water.
Reduce Polluted Runoff
Wash your car on grass or gravel rather than pavement so soapy, grimy wash water won't run off your property.
Reduce Emissions
Carpool to work or school to reduce vehicle emissions that can pollute our air and water.
Avoid Bay Grass Beds
Steer clear of bay grass beds in shallow waters to avoid harming this critical habitat and food source.
Start an Environmental Club
Start or join an environmental club at your school to help raise awareness of Bay-related issues.
How to Choose and Use Native Plants
Planting native plants is an excellent way to increase wildlife habitat and help the Chesapeake Bay. Learn which plants are "native" and how to choose the best plants for your yard. (Read Article)
Plant Trees and Shrubs
Plant more trees and shrubs in your yard to reduce erosion, capture runoff and provide habitat for wildlife.
Reduce Polluted Runoff
Apply no more than the recommended amount of deicer to melt ice on your steps or driveway.
Properly Dispose of Waste
Encourage your marina owner to maintain an adequate pump-out facility if one is not available.
Use Pesticides Properly
Never use more pesticides than you need. Take care to store chemicals properly so containers do not leak.
Fix Leaky Faucets
Fix leaky toilets and faucets. A dripping faucet can waste 20 gallons of water per day.
Use Native Plants
Plant native flowers, shrubs and trees. They often require less water and can attract birds, butterflies and honeybees.
Turn Off the Faucet
Turn off the faucet while you shave, brush your teeth and wash dishes. Save water and the Bay.
Dispose of Chemicals Properly
Follow safe (and legal) disposal methods for household chemicals like paint or motor oil.
Maintain Your Septic System
Do not plant trees or shrubs near your septic drain field. Roots clog septic drain lines and cause overflows.
Dispose of Medicine Properly
To keep medicine out of our waterways, don't pour expired or leftover drugs down the sink or flush them down the toilet. Instead, return unused medicine to a consumer drug return location or foul your medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and put it in the trash.
Pick Up Pet Waste
Pick up after your pet. Pet waste contains nutrients and bacteria that can wash into local waterways if left on the ground.
Conserve Water
Put a sand-filled jug in your toilet tank. You'll save about one half-gallon of water with each flush.
Reduce Pesticide Use
Make your own garden insect repellents using common household items like garlic, vinegar and cooking oil.
Maintain Your Septic System
Have your septic system pumped out every three to five years to prevent accidental sewage overflows.
Plant Trees and Shrubs
Plant a buffer of trees and shrubs around the edge of your property to capture polluted runoff.