How-To's and Tips: In Your Home | Chesapeake Bay Program

How to: Practice Gyotaku

This Japanese art of fish printing was developed over 100 years ago as a way for fisherman to record the size and species of their catch.

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Bay Tips > In Your Home

Tip: Save Energy

Unplug appliances like coffeemakers, toasters and televisions when no one is using them. For harder to reach outlets, plug devices into a power strip that can easily be switched off.

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Bay Tips > In Your Home

Tip: Reduce Hazardous Waste

Use mercury-free, non-toxic thermometers. Mercury thermometers should be disposed of at a household hazardous waste facility.

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Bay Tips > In Your Home

Tip: Conserve Water

To reduce water use in the kitchen, try washing fruits and vegetables in a large bowl or tub of water rather than under the faucet.

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Bay Tips > In Your Home

Tip: Conserve Water

Scraping or wiping off your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher allows you to skip the pre-wash cycle and save water.

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Bay Tips > In Your Home

Tip: Save Energy

Most of the energy required for washing clothes is spent heating water. To save energy, set your washing machine to cold water or the woolens setting.

Tip: Save Energy

Much of our home energy is supplied by coal, the burning of which sends pollutants into the air. If possible, set your thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer to cut down on your energy use.

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Bay Tips > In Your Home

Tip: Use Reusable Products

Instead of single-use products, use reusable cloth items like canvas grocery bags, cloth napkins or cloth diapers.

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How To's > In Your Home

How to: Recycle Your Electronics

Each year, between 22 and 55 tons of electronics enter the waste stream. Most end up in an incinerator or a landfill, but you can help keep our air, land and water clean by recycling your mobile phone, personal computer and other electronic devices.

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How To's > In Your Home

How to: Pick a Crab

The summertime crab feast is a Chesapeake Bay tradition. Learn how to dig in with this guide to picking a blue crab.

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Bay Tips > In Your Home

Tip: Use Toxic-Free Personal Products

Use eco-friendly lotions, cosmetics and perfumes to keep toxic chemicals from washing off of our bodies and into our waterways.

Tip: Use Toxic-Free Cleaning Products

Use eco-friendly cleaning products to keep toxic chemicals out of our waterways. Plain soap and water can rid surfaces of bacteria and are safer for our water supply.

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