This month, you can "seas the day":
by just saying no to chemicals and pesticides. In many communities, yard fertilizers and pesticides do more to contaminate water than agricultural runoff. More than 70 million pounds of toxic lawn pesticides are applied annually in the U.S. alone, and much of this will flow off the land and harm aquatic and ocean wildlife. Chemicals used on lawns and gardens can also harm pets and are poisonous to children. Non-toxic options exist and really work — ask for them at your local garden center.
by fertilizing wisely. Excess nutrients from yards and agricultural areas contribute to dead zones in the ocean where no animals can survive. You can help by fertilizing only once a year in the fall – or the season in your area when heavy rains are less likely to occur – to prevent harmful excess nutrient runoff. If you have a lawn use your grass clippings as yard mulch instead of applying fertilizers and keep your grass at least 3 inches high to reduce moisture loss.
by creating a compost pile. You can turn your food scraps into plant food by making a compost pile in your backyard or using a small bin for indoor use with special composting worms that generate high-quality fertilizer. Compost improves soil, can replace the need for fertilizers, and helps produce less garbage. If you have already done this at home you can help create a composting system at your local school or place of worship. Think of all the good nutrients that can be recycled from kids' tossed lunches! You can make a significant difference by encouraging these institutions to compost their hundreds of pounds of food leftovers each year.
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