We know that the nitrates and phosphates found in fertilizers cause tremendous pollution. We know that heavy rains wash these substances into streams, lakes, rivers and bays. We know the devastating environmental damage they cause. We also know we are not doing enough to prevent it. Here are four tips to help you reduce your contribution to this problem.
1. Avoid using commercial phosphate/nitrate laden fertilizers on your lawn. Duh. Use organic fertilizers, manure or compost. If you lessen the pollutants in your lawn and garden, there will be less to wash off, and the problem is lessened.
2. Practice erosion control by covering bare soil with mulch or by planting grass or cover crops. Less exposed soil equates to less erosion, and subsequent pollution, by the actions of wind and rain runoff.
3. Use rain barrels on your gutter downspouts to contain water that would normally be allowed to run off and use it for outdoor watering. You will ease the burden on the streams and also conserve water in the process.
4. Install a rain garden. This rainwater containment area holds a vast amount of storm runoff and any pollutants it would be carrying. The natural actions of plants and soil work to offset the pollution. In some areas, it is required by code to install rain gardens to contain the runoff from large commercial parking lots. Installing one for your home would be an inexpensive and beautiful way to go the extra mile in your conservation efforts.
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