The modern poet, Kermit the Frog, once said, “it’s not easy being green.” While we’re inclined to agree that going green isn’t easy, we also believe that getting greener doesn’t have to be difficult. Don’t just think green, but start being green with some tips to help you spring forward.
Natural plants need natural water, right? Seems like a simple statement, but many people don’t fully understand how detrimental hose water can be.
Rain gardens aren’t a new concept, but rather a term that has been “weeded out”, as far as popularity, until its recent revival. Harmful chemicals are flowing through the hoses of households across the nation, and here in Toledo, the expanding prevalence of community gardens has brought to light the more simple and ecologically-friendly ways of creating a lush environment.
Prior to urban development, the natural drainage system worked like a fine-tuned wrist watch, allowing rainwater to permeate deep into the ground, which is now obstructed by paved surfaces, in-turn, increasing the amount of runoff.
One of the main concepts of rain gardens is to imitate the natural drainage structure while providing improvement in wildlife habitat and water quality.
Its no secret that rain and storm water runoff is saturated with pollution, from pesticides and oil to natural residue, but through a natural filtration system, the water is clarified. Rain gardens are constructed in low-lying areas, to catch the surge of water from driveways, parking lots and storm downspouts. The trough-like design helps alleviate over-flowing storm sewers, while at the same time supplying nourishment for colorful flowers and greenery. Help the environment and urban beautification in one simple step? Genius.
These rain gardens provide an essential element of education and a way for locals to connect with local water resources. Rain gardens are affordable and require little maintenance; they can be created with transplanted greenery from your yard. These gardens aren’t the only way to gather rainwater, there are other practices of collection from rain barrels to roof water reservoirs. Environmental education and awareness of green initiatives are an important part of sustaining a thriving community and an eco-friendly set of footprints.
The mission of The Rain Garden Initiative of Toledo Lucas County is to provide information about rain gardens, on topics including construction and environmental benefits and how to get involved, both on individual and business levels.
Find this interesting and want to read more or learn how to get involved?
Check out raingardeninitiative.org.
At your disposal
Everyone knows that recycling is important, and many of us make serious efforts to keep up with the “reduce, reuse, recycle” mantra… at least when following it is easy. Are you known to collect recyclables, only to have them all end up in the trash? Make your impact match your intention by learning what to recycle and where.
Start organizing. It’s easy to keep a few bins in your trash area. You’ll likely find out you have a lot less “actual garbage” than you thought.
Organized by these categories:
Misc: There are a lot of nontraditional items that can also be recycled, including medication, electronic waste, batteries, motor oil, tires, light bulbs and more. For a complete list, please visit co.lucas.oh.us
Paper includes all newspapers, ad inserts, magazines, catalogs, phone books, junk mail, letters you decided not to send, list of New Year’s Resolution, etc. do not include the plastic bags or ties to keep bundles of paper together.
Containers: cans (aluminum beverage cans; steel, tin, bimetal and food cans; foil wrap and containers), glass (clear, green and brown bottles or jars), and plastics (plastic bottles for liquids or waxed paper cartons with PETE and HDPE need to include symbol in print).
Cardboard: corrugated, cereal and shoe boxes, etc, but do not include packing material, linings, waxed or soiled cartons.
Dropoff Locations
The Andersons
530 Illinois Ave.
Kroger Stores
4925 Jackman Rd.
4533 Monroe St.
4633 Suder Ave.
1414 Spring Meadows Dr.
7545 Sylvania Ave.
8730 Waterville-Swanton Rd.
More locations available online, including Metroparks, fire stations, rec centers and townhalls. For a complete list, please visit co.lucas.oh.us
