• Reduce runoff volumes and pollutants by redirecting runoff away from paved surfaces onto well-vegetated, gently sloping areas.  Also, consider converting low-use lawn areas into woodland or other vegetated, non-grass uses (e.g., wildflower beds, shrub gardens, etc.).

• Wherever possible, encourage sheet flow (shallow, non-erosive flow) through well-vegetated areas to both help filter runoff and reduce soil erosion.

• Mow at a high setting to maximize filtration, reduce weeds and make your lawn more resistant to drought and disease.  This will reduce the need for toxic weed sprays and help conserve water

• Consider using a mulching-type mower to keep grass clippings on the lawn.  Clippings provide soil nutrients that can decrease the need for fertilizers.  Never dispose of grass clippings in or along streams or in storm drains.

• If using fertilizer, make sure to use it in the proper amounts and at the optimal time.  Over-fertilizing or applying when the plants cannot take up the nutrients results in unused fertilizer that eventually ends up in nearby streams.

Car Care:

• Car wash water may contains toxic chemicals, detergents and sediments.  Consider using a professional car wash where wash water is recycled or discharged to a treatment plant.

• At home, use biodegradable and non-toxic detergents.  If possible, wash your car at a site that drains to a grassy area instead of a storm drain, so that pollutants can be filtered by the soil.  Remember, washing cars in Sligo Creek Park is illegal
  
  
• Place a litterbag or box in your vehicle to prevent trash from spilling out when the doors are opened.
  
  
• Keep the bed of your pickup truck clean or covered. Loose, lightweight trash such as cups, paper, lunch sacks and drink cans blow out of the beds while driving.

• Be certain to clean up your pet’s waste
  
  
• Place only tightly tied, or bagged trash at your curb. Trash that is placed in open containers, such as boxes, will blow throughout the community.
  
  
• Place bagged trash at the urb as close to pickup time as possible. This will prevent trash from being scattered on the streets by wind, rain and animals.

• During the winter, use cat litter or sand instead of salt on icy walkways.  Salt is toxic to aquatic organisms.

• Minimize your purchases of household hazardous wastes through safer alternatives.  Some examples include using water-based (latex) paint instead of oil-based paint, cedar chips instead of mothballs, compost instead of chemical fertilizers, boric acid instead of toxic ant and roach killers, and a plunger instead of a chemical drain cleaner.  Read product labels for proper use and disposal, and consider how you will dispose of the product before purchasing.