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Water Conservation Tips
Use a mulching mower to shred leaves into your lawn. Healthy soil with a good proportion of organic matter absorbs and retains water better, and keeps plants healthier and more drought-resistant. Learn more about better practices with lawns here: https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/6-steps-healthy-organic-lawn Insulating your pipes in unheated areas - especially the ones that lead outdoors - will prevent pipe breakages which can waste a huge amount of water. In addition, insulating your hot water pipes will keep the water in the pipes warmer and reduce the amount of water wasted while you are waiting for your shower or sink hot water to reach the desired temperature. Also, a bucket to catch that not-hot-enough-yet water in the shower will give you extra water for cleaning, flushing a toilet, or rinsing the tub. You can even toss that water into your clothes washing machine. Consider purchasing a rain barrel. Aquarion offers high-quality, 60-gallon rain barrels for only only $75.00 (40% off the retail price of $125). It takes just one quarter-inch of rainfall on an average roof to fill the barrel and give you water to use during dry periods, even when restrictions are imposed on water usage. Click here for more information. Orders must be received by June 1, 2018 For more easy water conservation tips, click here and here. |
Sprinklers/Irrigation
Did you know that sprinkler irrigation accounts for more than 30% of total U.S. household use and that more than 50% of that water is lost due to evaporation or over-watering? Indeed, much of the water used in sprinkler irrigation is unnecessary and wastes a tremendous amount of water. The fact is, lawns and gardens actually thrive on less water as root systems grow deeper into the soil for moisture and nutrients. Whether you have a well or use town water, please be mindful of Aquarion's twice weekly irrigation schedule for this summer: http://www.aquarionwater.com/CT/faq-irrigation If you do use an automated sprinkler system, you can install a rain sensor so that the sprinkers will not turn on while it is raining. Your lawn will be healthier with a once per week, deep watering to encourage the roots to grow deeper. Increasing the grass height will also extend the roots deeper. For more information please click here. |
Protect Natural Grass Playing Fields
Natural grass is better for the health of our kids, the environment, and protection of our soils and water systems. Artificial turf blankets these fields with acres of plastics that contain known toxins and carcinogens. Tests have shown unacceptable levels of lead, heavy metals, PFAS, chemicals that can leach into our water systems, create unhealthy inhalants, high temperature burns and off gas during hot weather. Even plant based infill options (PBI’s), have undisclosed chemical treatments that raise alarms. They also contain silica sand which is a known carcinogen. There has never been an independent, peer reviewed study that can say these turfs are safe. For more information, please read this Open Letter from Greenwich residents published in the Greenwich Free Press in October. Please sign this petition in support of natural grass fields. Read the GCA statement read to the Board of Education at the February meeting. |
