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.
Clean Your Boat Properly
Use extreme caution when painting and cleaning your boat to avoid polluting the water.
Reduce Polluted Runoff
Make sure your downspouts drain onto grass or gravel, rather than paved driveways and sidewalks.
Test Your Soil
Have your soil tested to determine how much fertilizer your lawn needs (if any at all) and the best time to apply it.
Reduce Emissions
Walk, bike or take public transportation when possible to reduce emissions that cause air and water pollution.
Reduce Emissions
Avoid letting you car idle. Idling wastes fuel, costs you money, and pollutes 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 get in the water.
Don't Overapply Fertilizer
Use only the amount of lawn fertilizer you actually 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 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 any body of water. They can become invasive.
Fix Car Leaks
Fix car leaks so engine fluids like oil and antifreeze don't fall on 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 natural fertilizer.
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 emissions that cause air and water pollution.
Avoid Bay Grass Beds
Steer clear of bay grass beds in shallow waters to avoid harming these critical underwater grasses.
Start an Environmental Club
Start or join an environmental club at your school to help raise awareness of Chesapeake 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)
Properly Dispose of Waste
Encourage your marina owner to maintain an adequate pump-out facility, if one is not available.
Fix Leaky Faucets
Fix leaky toilets and faucets. A dripping faucet can waste 20 gallons of water per day.
Reduce Pesticide Use
Make your own garden insect repellents using everyday household items - garlic, vinegar and cooking oil.
Turn Off the Faucet
Turn off the faucet while you shave, brush your teeth and wash dishes. Save water and the Bay.
Conserve Water
Put a sand-filled jug in your toilet tank. You'll save about one half-gallon of water with each flush.
Know Your Grass
Identify your grass so you can care for it properly. For example, cool-season grasses are best fertilized in fall.
Maintain Your Septic System
Do not plant trees or shrubs near your septic drain field. Roots clog septic drain lines and cause overflows.
Install a Low-Flow Showerhead
Install a low-flow showerhead, which use about one gallon less water per minute.
Pick Up Pet Waste
Pick up after your pet. Pet waste contains nutrients and bacteria that can wash into local waters.
Install a Rain Barrel
Install a rain barrel to capture water from your downspouts. You can use this water for your plants and garden.
Maintain Your Septic System
Have your septic system pumped out every 3-5 years to prevent accidental sewage overflows.
Don't use fertilizer as a deicer
Never use lawn fertilizer as a deicer. It contains nutrients that can run off your property and pollute local waters.
Use Fertilizer Properly
Do not apply fertilizer to drainage areas in your yard, where it can easily run off your property.
Plant Trees and Shrubs
Plant a buffer of trees and shrubs around the edge of your property to capture polluted runoff.
Use Pesticides Properly
Never use more pesticides than you need, and take care to store them properly so they do not leak.
Use Native Plants
Plant native flowers, shrubs and trees. They require less water and attract birds, butterflies and honeybees.
Use Safer Pesticides
Try weed and insect control products that contain plant-derived and non-toxic ingredients.
Keep Fertilizer Off Hard Surfaces
Keep lawn fertilizer off hard surfaces like walkways and driveways, where it can easily wash into storm drains.
Compost Fallen Leaves
Instead of spending painstaking hours raking, blowing and bagging fallen leaves, try composting them instead.
Dispose of Medicine Properly
Don't flush expired or leftover medicine down the toilet to keep drugs out of our waterways.
"Grasscycle" Lawn Clippings
Instead of fertilizing, leave leftover grass clippings on your lawn for a natural source of nitrogen.
Keep Your Drain Fat-Free
Don't pour fat, oil or grease down your drain. They can clog pipes and lead to sewage overflows over time.
Fertilize in the Fall
If you need to fertilize your lawn, do it in the fall. Spring rains wash fertilizer off lawns and into local waters.
Conserve Water
Water your lawn and garden in the early morning or early evening to reduce evaporation and save water.
Dispose of Chemicals Properly
Follow safe (and legal) disposal methods for household chemicals such as paint and motor oil.
Take Shorter Showers
Take shorter showers. Cutting your shower time by five minutes can save 10-12 gallons of water per shower.
Conserve Water
Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they are full to save water.
Reduce Polluted Runoff
Bring you car to a car wash instead of washing it at home. Car washes clean and recycle wash water.
Observe Wake Laws
Follow no-wake laws and speed limits to avoid harming bay grasses and causing erosion on nearby shorelines.
How to deice the Bay-friendly way
In large doses, many popular snow and ice removal methods can be harmful to our local waterways. Read on for some helpful guidelines for removing snow and ice the Bay-friendly way. (Read Article)