What Can You Do To Help?

Highlighted areas in the headings below provide links to videos developed by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG). Other highlighted text links to additional tips and posters.

Keep Pollution Out of Storm Drains

Clean up oil spills immediately
Rake leaves and put into compost or lawn bags
Wash the car (video or text) on the lawn
Clean up pet waste
Do not pour oils, household cleaners, or lawn products down the storm drain
Sweep the driveway and side walk

Fertilize Sparingly

Use fertilizers low in phosphorus
Select a slow-release fertilizer
At least half of the nitrogen should be water insoluble
Keep fertilizer applications at least 20 feet away from the edge of lakes, streams, and storm drains
Sweep excess fertilizer back onto your lawn
Test the soil (add only what you need, where needed)
Do not apply fertilizer if it is going to rain
Try organic fertilizers
Allow grass clippings to fall back on the lawn to reduce the need for fertilizer
Hire a lawn service that uses organic fertilizers or slow-release nitrogen and low or no phosphorus fertilizer

Store and Dispose of Household Cleaners, Chemicals, and Oils Properly

Take household cleaners, petroleum products, and paints to the local hazardous waste center or collection day event
Never dump down the sink or on the ground
Securely close the lids
Store inside the house or within a garage or shed
Store in a dry area away from kids, pets, and wildlife
Place inside a containment device such as a plastic tub or tote to contain any leaks or residue
Clean up any spills immediately according to the manufactures suggestions
Be careful when using products with the words "danger," "caution," "warning," or "toxic"
Purchase only the materials you need in the smallest size necessary
Choose less toxic alternatives, like washing your windows with vinegar and water
Keep unused products in the original container with the label intact

Clean Up After Your Pet

Pick up pet waste promptly
Dispose of in the trash or flush down the toilet
Work with your local government to install signs, bag dispensers, and trash cans to make it easier for others to clean up after their pets
Do not feed ducks, geese, or other water fowl

Practice Good Car Care

Perform routine tune ups
Fix leaks promptly
Go to a car wash or wash on the lawn
Reduce the amount of soap or wash with plain water
Take vehicle to the shop to change oil and other fluids
Dispose of used oil promptly and properly
Clean up any spills immediately – soak up with kitty litter, sweep, and put it in the trash
Perform vehicle maintenance in a covered location like a garage
Do not top-off the gas tank

Choose Earth-Friendly Landscaping

Use pesticides and herbicides sparingly
Do not apply pesticides and herbicides if it is going to rain
Put mulch around trees and plants (about 4 inches)
Water the lawn only when it needs it (about 1 inch a week)
Mow long (3 inches)
Let grass clippings fall back on the lawn to reduce need for fertilizer
Sweep lawn clippings, leaves, and dirt back onto the lawn
Do not hose down the driveway
Choose plants native to Michigan
Use a wide variety of plants
Rake leaves put into compost or into lawn bags
Try chemical free options like soap and water or vinegar

Properly Dispose of Travel Trailer Waste

Dump waste at a proper dump station
Visit www.rvdumps.com for a list of dumping stations by state, interstate, and town.
The Jackson Wastewater Treatment Plant accepts travel trailer waste free of charge weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. call 517.788.4075 for more details
Wash the travel trailer on the grass or gravel
Choose earth-friendly cleaners and body care products

Maintain Your Septic System

Inspect your home or drainfield for signs of failure
Determine how often you should have your system pumped-out
Conserve household water use
Avoid the use of chemicals that may harm the septic tank bacteria and treatment process
Contact your county health department for more information or if you have concerns