The 90 Day Plan begins June 21, 2010

The 90 Day Plan - 90 Ways in 90 Days will launch on June 21, 2010

Click here to learn more!

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 90

DAY 90

TAKE YOURSELF to the RIVER. 

Congratulations! 

How many rivers are connected between you andthe ocean? 

How can you celebrate rivers today? 

What did you do, where did you go, who did you meet, etc?

Challenge: How do you feel now that you have completed this program?  Continue to produce a

positive RIPPLE EFFECT, this is only the beginning.  What you do today ripples on to tomorrow. The

journey continues…

For More Information:

h1p://www.standingupforillinois.org/cleanwater/iord_index.php 

www.belowthesurface.org 

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 89

DAY 89

DETERMINE if THE 90-DAY PLAN was HELPFUL for you to better understand and care for water and

for the world in which you live.

Questions:

What did you like about the program?

What did you dislike about the program?

What were some unexpected things that happened to you as you were going day to day?

What conservation tips have you been consistently using? Can you stick with at least 10?

Do you have any suggestions or ideas to make it better?

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 88

DAY 88

LOOK DOWNSTREAM

We all live in a Watershed.  Everything we do on land ultimately impacts the water, for better or for worse. Who lives downstream from you?

What towns, cities, and other waterways are downstream from you?  Are you making life better or worse for people downstream.

Challenge:

Everything we do adds up.  Every action is either part of the problem or part of the solution.

I challenge you to BE THE SOLUTION!


www.belowthesurface.org

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 87

DAY 87

BUILD A BUFFER

Runoff is a plague.  Especially stormwater runoff.  It contains lawn chemicals, oil and grease from streets, and excess water that increases erosion.

Fortunately, there are simple solutions to minimize runoff and building buffers are the best way to do so.  Buffers don't even really need to be built, just grown.  By leaving a two foot barrier of tall grass or native plants along the edge of your property, you can significantly reduce runoff.  This is especially important if you live near surface water such as streams, rivers, or lakes.

Challenge:

Encourage your local municipality to support the use of buffers around public waterways by presenting the idea at a council meeting.

For More Information:

http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/index.cfm?action=browse&Rbutton=detail&bmp=82

http://www.urbanforestrysouth.org/resources/library/copy5_of_construction-site-storm-water-runoff-control-vegetated-buffer/view

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 86

DAY 86

TAKE IT TO THE CLEANERS

This common act involves a lot of chemicals, plastic, and driving.  Luckily, there are things we can do to minimize our overall impact.  Returning hangers, buying a canvass bag for the dirties and a hanging bag for the clean clothes will reduce your plastic waste are all solid solutions.

Challenge:

Wear as many fabrics that do not need to be dry cleaned and when you do need to go to the Cleaners, make sure they don't use Perchloroethylene (PERC).  PERC is also petroleum-based, enough said.

For More Information:

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/09/are_there_green.php

http://home.howstuffworks.com/dry-cleaning.htm

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 85

DAY 85

GO GRAY!

About 99% of all of the water that enters your home exits through the drain.  All of that water, save for what goes down the toilet and kitchen sink, can be reused.

Gray water systems are a fantastic way to save money on watering costs, ease the strain on water treatment facilities, and replenish groundwater.  Best of all, they can be made to fit any household.

Challenge:

Have your home appraised for a Gray Water system today!  Why wait?

For More Information:

http://www.graywater.net/

http://www.montysplumbing.com/17601.html