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Refer 5 Frederick County households to the Green Homes Challenge

Help spread the word by referring 5 of your friends, family members, co-workers, or neighbors to the Green Homes Challenge.

Click here to invite them to sign up for the Green Homes Challenge.

Use tap water instead of purchasing bottled water

Many people believe that bottled water is safer than tap water. In reality, tap water is more tightly regulated than bottled water. When you take into account the additional trash problems that disposable plastic bottles create and the resources required to produce them, tap water is the obvious environmentally-friendly choice. You can even buy a water filter that fits on your tap or a filtering pitcher if you want to improve the taste of your tap water. Check out this useful comparison on water filter types.

Dispose of cooking grease properly

Instead of pouring your grease down the drain, collect it in a glass or metal container. Use caution as grease can be very hot. This method of cleaning your pots and pans prevents grease from clogging your pipes and lessens the load on the wastewater system. When the container is full, throw it away or scoop out the solid grease and recycle the container. You can even use leftover animal fat for seasoning cast iron pots or for cooking, as a replacement for butter.

Use wrapping paper alternatives

Alternatives to wrapping paper include the Sunday comics, reused tin boxes, a reusable canvas bag, or a handkerchief. The Japanese furoshiki is a popular wrapping cloth that is frequently used in Eastern Asia to decorate presents. Reusable baking dishes and flower pots are also eco-forward alternatives to traditional gift-wrapping. Check out some more creative ideas for wrapping paper alternatives.

Pledge to dispose of pet waste properly

When pet waste is left on the ground, rainwater can wash it into storm drains and surface waters, contributing to nutrient pollution of local waterways. Nutrient pollution often leads to algae blooms and decreased oxygen concentration, which harm aquatic plant and animal species.

Remember to take a bag with you to pick up your pet’s waste when you go for a walk. Leave some bags in your purse, car, or by the front door to help you remember. While pet waste can be thrown away with the trash, it adds unnecessary volume to landfills, uses plastic bags, and causes problems for trash collectors. The most environmentally friendly options are flushing the pet waste down the toilet, burying it away from food crops, or using an outdoor pet waste composter. Check out these purchasable pet waste composters.

Properly dispose of used fluorescent light bulbs

Incorrect disposal of CFL bulbs and fluorescent tubes can result in mercury being released into the environment. The Common Market in Frederick and chains such as The Home Depot, Lowe’s, IKEA, and MOM’s Organic Market provide free CFL recycling to customers.

In addition, fluorescent bulbs can be disposed of at free Frederick County Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Days held at 5370 Public Safety Place, Frederick. For more information on drop-off days, call 301.600.1848.

Make sure to follow instructions for proper clean-up if you break a fluorescent bulb.