EARTH SMART ACTIONS

Action 5:
Design your own solutions

Back to Stormwater Quality

Introduction

Let's review: You identified pollutants in your neighborhood and learned about the impact they make on the ecosystem downstream. You found the drains on your property and learned how pollutants flow from our homes and into the gutter and city storm drain inlets. You inspected the city storm drains in your neighborhood and reported on their condition. And in Action 4, you have seen what the city has been doing to help reduce stormwater pollution in your area.
​Now it's your turn.  

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What can YOU do to help reduce pollutants from entering the storm drains outside of your home?  In this action, you will find the most significant problem, identify the possible sources, design simple neighborhood solutions to reduce pollutants in this area and then implement that solution. Take all you have learned about improving stormwater quality and tell your family and neighbors about the impact we have on keeping the waterways downstream safe for plants and animals and even for us. Ask them to join you in the actions you design. ​
Tips for Designing Effective Actions
To achieve lasting change, you must educate others about the problem, motivate them to take actions to address the problem and help give them the tools they’ll need to make improvements.

How to get started
Every neighborhood is unique and special. You will know what works best for your family and neighbors. ​Below are some additional examples that have worked for residents in other neighborhoods.  

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Ideas for Neighborhood Actions
Ask your neighbors to help you clean city drains
Demonstrate good behavior
Write letters to neighbors about the importance of keeping storm drains clean
Post signs to encourage picking up litter
Put up signs in areas with pet waste
Check your car for oil leaks
Special consideration for irrigation
One of the most effective actions you can take at your home and in your neighborhood is check and adjust your irrigation systems. When sprinklers overspray onto the sidewalks and driveways, they can carry pollutants into the streets and into the storm drains. Consider including this in your actions. 
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Instructions

  1. Use this Data Collection Sheet to guide you in creating your own actions. 
  2. Talk to your family and neighbors about what you are doing. 
  3. ​Come back and report what you found using the form below.

Evaluate and Report

Report back to us about what you found. ​
Submit findings
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Ready for Action 6? 

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