Tip of the Day - Sweep Sidewalks and Driveways
Yesterday, when we talked about car wax, Torie brought up an excellent point. I wanted to share it and add on.
“Here in the Bay Area, we worry a lot about what drains into the bay, and what comes off your car when you wash it is not good. Washing your car in your driveway will mean oil, exhaust residue, gasoline, and other grime entering the water. In my city, those holding fundraising car washes can borrow a storm drain protection kit. If you are washing your car at home, you’re encouraged to wash it on the grass or on gravel, away from storm drains. You can also go to a professional car wash that has a system for draining their water and keeping it away from the bay. I believe they are required to do this, but it’s probably best to ask.”
Keeping chemicals out of our storm drain systems is really important, no matter where you live. Torie’s comment reminded me of something I saw the other day.
One of my favorite PBS programs is sponsored by a certain lawn chemical company (normally, I would give credit to the company, but I don’t want to promote them). At the end of the program, the sponsoring company made a statement about the importance of sweeping lawn chemicals off of sidewalks and driveways to keep the chemicals out of our waterways.
When the chemicals are on the lawn, they filter through the ground, but when left on sidewalks and driveways they run directly into storm drains when it rains and end up directly in our rivers and streams.
In addition, those little chemical grains sitting on sidewalks and driveways are a hazard to pets, children, and well, everyone. People and pets walk through them, they get tracked into houses, and licked off of paws (which is why it’s important to remove your shoes and wash your pet’s feet when you enter your home).
The best solution is to stop using lawn chemicals completely (even when used correctly, they still end up in our water systems). Is the perfect lawn really worth risking your health and the health of the people, pets and environment around you?
But if you won’t stop, or you have a neighbor who won’t stop, make sure the sidewalks and driveways are swept clean.
May 16th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
When I first saw this headline, it made me think of all the businesses in the city that wash their sidewalks down with hoses instead of sweeping. That drives me batty, especially when I get sprayed.
May 16th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
That drives me batty too — lots of people in my neighborhood hose down their driveways and sidewalk. And, of course if they use lawn chemicals, it’s a great way to wash them right down the storm drain!