It is easier and less costly to reduce the amount of pollutants we introduce into our environment than to clean them up once they are already there. Here are some simple and important ways you can reduce your personal pollution:
Practice Bay-Friendly Lawn Care
Make your lawn greener. Stay away from fertilizer, mulch clippings, and leave your grass taller. Learn More.
Maintain and Upgrade Your Septic System
There are over 40,000 septic tanks in Anne Arundel County, each contributing about 30 pounds of nitrogen per year for a total of 1,200,000 pounds of nitrogen each year that come from septic systems. Proper maintenance of your septic system is essential. You can also install a new Nitrogen Reducing Septic System. Learn more.
A single gram of dog waste can contain 23 million bacteria. When washed into the waterways by rain water, bacteria can cause serious health hazards. Pet waste also contains nutrients that can cause dead zones in the Bay. Learn more.
Choose Non-Toxic Household Products
The average home has over 100 pounds of toxic household chemicals including paint, cleaners and batteries. When you clean your bathroom or wash your dishes, the chemical cleaners travel down the drain to a wastewater treatment facility or your septic tank, and may eventually wind up in our waterways. The best way to prevent this is to select a safe alternative. Learn more.
1/3 of the nitrogen that pollutes the Bay comes from air pollution. Cars are the biggest source of airborne nitrogen. Boats can also be a source of bacteria, nutrients and toxic chemicals. How you maintain your car and boat can have a major effect on water quality. Learn more.
Each year, 1/3 of the nitrogen pollution in the Bay comes from Air Pollution caused by power plants and vehicles. Air pollution is also a major source of mercury and other toxins. Conserving energy, and carpooling or using mass transit can help reduce this pollution source. Learn More.
