Eco-Friendly Solutions
Stormwater runoff, trashed plastics and climate change affect the health of our environment, but there are actions we can all take to reduce their impacts.
Low Impact Development (LID)
LID is all about keeping the water onsite, mimicking the natural water flow. This 9-minute video REDUCE RUNOFF: Slow It Down, Spread It Out, Soak It In showcases green techniques such as rain gardens, green roofs and rain barrels that help manage stormwater runoff in a more sustainable manner produced by U.S. EPA & US Botanic Garden
Check out more on Low Impact Development
Greenscapes
Check out our Greenscapes Program for more information on rain gardens and rain barrels and how you can have an environmentally friendly yard and garden.
Trees and Forests for a Healthy Watershed
SSCW understands the value and importance of trees and forests for stormwater management and watershed health. We have mapped the watershed for potential priority areas for conservation, restoration and stormwater management. Help us build stewardship of this valuable and limited resource in our urbanized, coastal watershed and make the connection between trees and reduced runoff for a healthier watershed.
Eco-Friendly Boating Ideas plus Pumpouts
- Eliminate the use of disposable water bottles or make sure they are recycled when you return to shore.
- Use environmentally friendly cleaning products on all boats.
- Carry and use at least one bilge sponge and one fueling spill pad.
- Prevent discharge of untreated sewage or blackwater.
- Know where pumpouts are available and get your holding tank pumped out as needed.
Reducing Marine Debris
Recycle responsibly and use less plastic:
- Don't purchase bottled water.
- Tap water is cheaper and usually safer. Buy products that use less packaging.
- Forgo single-use plastics like straws, cups, plastic flatware and bags.
Having an event? Make it eco-friendly by
borrowing butt bins
and water canteens.
Butt Bin and Water Canteen Borrow Programs
Cigarette butts are non-biodegradable and when littered, excrete more than 60 toxins that harm or adversely affect marine life.
Each year millions of cigarette butts are collected in beach cleanups. Providing convenient disposal containers stems the tide of cigarette butts entering local waters!
Also, supplying public tap water at public events is an easy way to lower an event's carbon footprint and reduce plastic bottled water waste. For more information on how to borrow water canteens and butt bins.