Landscaping and garden maintenance activities can be major contributors to ocean pollution. Soils, yard wastes, overwatering and garden chemicals become part of the urban runoff mix that winds its way through streets, gutters and storm drains before entering the ocean.
Poorly functioning sprinklers and overwatering, for example, waste water and increase the number of pollutants flowing into storm drains.
Fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides are washed off lawns and landscaped areas. These chemicals not only kill garden invaders. They also harm useful insects, poison fish and contaminate ground and ocean water.
Leaves, grass clippings and tree trimmings that are swept or blown into the street and gutter are also ocean polluters. These wastes clog catch basins, increasing the risk of flooding on your street, and carry garden chemicals into the ocean. As they decompose, they also absorb oxygen fish need to survive.Fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides are washed off lawns and landscaped areas. These chemicals not only kill garden invaders. They also harm useful insects, poison fish and contaminate ground and ocean water.
Combat environmental harm by implementing the following best management practices, which include the proper handling, storage and disposal of materials can prevent pollutants from entering the ocean through the storm drain system.
The “chemicals-only” approach to pest control is only a temporary fix.
A more common-sense approach is needed for a long-term solution. It is called Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Plan your IPM strategy in this order:
A) Physical Controls
B) Insect Controls
C) Chemical Controls — Your Last Resort
Use these least-toxic products:
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