Simple things you can do to make a cleaner world

Picture this: Rain is falling on your neighborhood. It slides across the pavement, picking up everything in its path—motor oil, fertilizer, tiny bits of trash—and sweeps it straight into your local river.

This happens every time it rains. But the good news is that your daily choices can help stop it. Small habits add up. When enough people take action, clean water becomes the norm, not the exception.

“Drinking water is essential to a healthy lifestyle”

Stephen Curry

Storm drains don’t lead to treatment plants. They lead straight to creeks, rivers, and lakes.

Every time someone pours leftover paint, motor oil, or lawn chemicals down a drain, it becomes part of our shared water. A single quart of oil can contaminate up to 250,000 gallons of water.

Quick Fact:
What goes down your street drain goes straight into your environment.

Instead of thinking “out of sight, out of mind,” imagine pouring it directly into a fish’s home.

Your yard can be part of the solution.

Planting native flowers and grasses helps absorb rain before it can wash pollutants away. These plants need less fertilizer and water, which means less runoff overall.

If you use fertilizer, apply it sparingly and never right before a storm. And instead of dumping yard waste in ditches or streams, start a compost pile. Compost enriches soil and keeps debris out of waterways.

Your cleaning habits make a bigger impact than you might think.

Dispose of leftover paint, motor oil, and medicine at designated drop-off sites. Never flush old pills or chemicals down the toilet.

Try switching to biodegradable cleaning products. Fixing leaks and drips keeps mold from growing and prevents gallons of wasted water every week.

Quote:
“If it’s too toxic for your yard, it’s too toxic for your drain.”

Saving water helps ensure there’s enough clean water for everyone.

Simple changes can save thousands of gallons a year:

• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
• Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when they’re full.
• Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.

These steps lower your utility bills, too.

Change spreads through conversation.

Teach your kids why storm drains matter. Talk with neighbors about picking up litter and disposing of chemicals responsibly.

Even a single post on social media can inspire someone else to start. Use photos or short videos to show what you’re doing and why it matters.