As a part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, our day-to-day habits affect this huge body of water more than you might think. This area extends all the from Virginia to New York, including parts of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. If you live pretty much anywhere in Maryland or Delaware, chances are you’re within the watershed. So, how do you ensure that your waste doesn’t find its way into the Bay? Try some of these tips this summer.
Reduce & Reuse Whenever Possible
Have you ever noticed how much trash your family produces? What about your entire neighborhood? Today, humans make an average 3.5 million tons of waste—every single day. Even with recycling, we’re simply creating too much to keep up. So, try to cut back wherever you can. Yes, plastic utensils and containers may be more convenient when it comes to clean up, but billions of those items find their way into landfills every year. Some even clog up the Chesapeake Bay. Cut down on these (and plastic water bottles) by carrying reusable options with you when you go out. If you’re already doing this, but want to find more ways to reduce your personal waste, check out this article.
Clean Green
One of the primary concerns in the Chesapeake Bay watershed is drainage. Because of this, those hard chemical cleaners you use around the home may find their way into this large body of water. Many common household cleaners are petroleum-based without sufficient testing on
their environmental impact. So, choose options that are made with natural ingredients instead. Not only will they be safer for the environment, but also for your family! At Peak Power Wash, we can actually help you with this resolution thanks to our “soft wash” technique. This approach to power washing allows us to use less chemicals and less pressure while still achieving clean outdoor surfaces. If you want to learn more about this green alternative, visit our “soft wash” page.
Use Permeable Paving
Did you know that typical paved sidewalks and driveways are considered impervious? This means they cause rainwater to run off rather than be absorbed into the ground through the material. While that sounds beneficial in some ways, think about what that water then comes in contact with on its way to the nearest drain or body of water. Oil, chemical cleaners, animal feces, and fertilizers that get picked up often find their way into the Chesapeake Bay, contributing to its pollution. Instead, you should try using porous pavers that allow the storm water to be absorbed naturally. We can help you maintain and even restore this option over time!
Although the Bay is looking better than it did ten years ago, we still have to work to keep its ecosystem thriving. Since most of our service area—including Carroll County, Howard County, Baltimore County, and Frederick County within Maryland (as well as Gettysburg, Littlestown, and Hanover, Pennsylvania)—is a part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, we try to do our part to help, too! Ask us about our green approach to power washing and don’t forget to implement some of these small changes at home!how to help the chesapeake bay
