The following is a community notice from the Mojave River Watershed Group, asking High Desert residents to make pollution prevention part of their New Year’s resolution:
Stormwater pollution occurs when water from rain or even our landscaping sprinklers become polluted by contaminants like litter, pesticides, fertilizer, motor oil, pet waste and more. This water flows directly over land and roads to the Mojave River, into the ground or an untreated storm drain system. This water is harmful to the health of our families and local wildlife. If making a resolution to be more environmentally conscientious or active in the High Desert community is on your New Year’s Resolution list then we’ve got some great – and easy to achieve – resolutions for you!
In 2014 we encourage you to:
Be a Better Pet Owner: We already know how much you love your pooches, but did you know that pet waste is full of harmful bacteria and doo-doo left on the ground pollutes your drinking water? For you and your dog’s sake, make a resolution to take a bag with you on every dog walk and pick up after your pet.
Be a Clean Machine: The New Year is a great time to clean out the garage and cupboards at home. This year, make a resolution to take old paint, cleaning products, automotive products like motor oil and e-waste to a local hazardous waste facility center.
Be Wise about Water: It’s undeniable water is a precious resource, especially in the High Desert. By replacing thirsty lawns with plants and rockscape native to the High Desert region, you reduce your use of toxic fertilizers and pesticides and water consumption. Cleaner drinking water and a bigger wallet! How wonderful is that?
Be a Stormwater Leader: Make a commitment to gather your friends and family for community clean-up events. It’s amazing how a little bit goes a long way – just a few hours picking up trash or taking loads of waste to a hazardous facility center makes a big difference! And don’t forget to get the kids involved. Teaching stormwater savvy behaviors early on is the best way to raise children who care about their community.
Making the decision to act is the hardest part of New Year’s Resolutions. We challenge you to make a commitment today to prevent stormwater pollution. Pledge to make a difference, and 2014 is sure to be bright. On behalf of MRWG, we wish you a happy, healthy and stormwater-pollution free New Year!
For more information about our organization, please visit our website at mojaveriver.org. Or get connected with our group – we’re on Facebook/MojaveWatershed, Twitter @MojaveRiver and Pinterest/Mojave River Watershed Group.
