Sustainability Tips

Electric Powered Leaf Blowers
According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, using a gas-powered lawnmower for one hour produces the equivalent air pollution of operating 11 cars for one hour. Readily available battery-powered leaf blowers offer excellent alternatives to their gas-powered counterparts. Using an electric-powered alternative can also help improve the air quality of our environment. Here are some tips below to help improve air quality, by limiting the usage of gas-powered leaf blowers:

  • Talk with your landscaper today to see if they provide alternatives to gas-powered equipment.
  • Purchase an electric-powered leaf blower at a nearby hardware store
  • Leave your leaves! - This can help restore nutrients to your lawn
Talk to Your Landscaper 
Please download and share the Talk to Your Landscaper One Pager that provides several ways to reduce your impact when it comes to home and yard care. A Spanish version is also available for download. 

Pool De-Watering
Chlorinated water discharged to surface waters, roadways or storm sewers has an adverse impact on local storm water quality.  High concentrations of chlorine are toxic to wildlife, fish, and aquatic plants.  Waters possessing an extreme pH level can also be detrimental to aquatic organisms as the pH of the water4 should be between 6.5 and 8.5.  Algaecides such as copper or silver can interrupt the normal algal and plant growth in receiving waters and should not be present when draining.  Prepare appropriately before draining a pool.  It is recommended that one of the following measures be used:

  • De-chlorinate the water in the pool prior to draining through mechanical or chemical means; these types of products are available at local stores.
  • De-chlorinate the water in the pool through natural means.  Pool water must sit at least 2 days with a reasonable amount of sun after the addition of chlorine or bromine.  It is recommended that the chlorine level be tested after 2 days to ensure that concentrations are at a safe level (below 0.1-mg/1).

DIY Wildlife and Pollinator Projects 
To learn more about Native and Endangered Plants and Pollinators, Invasive Species, DIY Projects for Wildlife, and Other Gardening and Wildlife Resources, please look at Lake Forest's Nature Report for more information!
Stay Informed!

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