Greener Gardening

• Avoid planting too much lawn. Lawns need lots of water and provide no habitat for local wildlife. Create a meadow of indigenous wildflowers, plant an attractive ground cover, or plant an organic herb and vegetable garden instead.



• Don't use a hose to clear dirt and leaves out of the garage or off sidewalks, driveways and patios. Use a broom to conserve water.



• Check the weather forecast before automatically watering your lawn. There could be rain in the forecast.



• Wash your car on the lawn, not in the driveway or street. The rinse water will water the lawn and be diverted from storm drains. Make sure you use an earth-friendly, biodegradable soap and use it sparingly. Or, take your car to a car wash that collects and recycles its rinse water.



• Choose human-powered lawn and garden equipment if you can get the job done without gas-fueled equipment. For larger jobs, electric equipment may also be substituted.

- Crissy Trask, It's Easy Being Green