Minimize Your Impact

There are a multitude of ways that you can minimize your impact on local watersheds.  However small, changes in consumptive behavior add up and can make a profound difference.  Here are some examples of how you can help us make a difference:

Reduce Energy Consumption

Get the goods: Use compact fluorescent bulbs and Energy Star appliances

Consider the source: Switch from a conventional electrical supplier to a renewable energy supplier

Keep it clean: Clean appliance vents to ensure efficient function

Keep it hot: Insulate your hot water heater to prevent heat loss

Unplug it: Unplug electronics when not in use

Get smart: Use a smart-metering device to monitor your energy use

Reduce Water Consumption

The statistics:  The average household uses approximately 350 gallons of water per day.  The average United States citizen uses approximately 90-100 gallons per day. The average European uses about 53 gallons per day. About 14% of water households pay for each day is never used due to leaks and running water.

Turn it off: Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth, lathering your face, or shaving

Lower the flow: Install low-flow faucets, toilets and shower heads

Run it full: Only run your dishwasher when it is completely full

Reuse it: Save the water you use from rinsing vegetables and fruit for watering plants

Check it out: Routinely check for plumbing leaks

Self-irrigate: Create a self-watering rain garden

Set it back: Keep a lawn or landscaping buffer setback from streams and ponds

Reduce Watershed Contaminants

Go local: Use native plants, as they are better acclimated and require less watering

Garden with care: Reduce use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers

Keep it green: Maintain vegetated buffers

Vegetate it: Plant vegetated swales to capture and treat and filter stormwater

Don't just dump it: Properly dispose of household chemicals and pharmaceuticals

Source: These tips and more can be found on the Riverkeeper website.

Assess your Energy Consumption - ways to assess and reduce your energy consumption

Calculate your carbon footprint - measure your impact on the climate