Conservation
The Garden Club of America encourages taking the Healthy Yard Pledge (select here)
“I pledge to take care of my yard without synthetic pesticides, weed killers and fertilizers except on rare occasions to resolve an infestation or to improve habitat for native plants and wildlife. I also pledge not to throw pharmaceuticals or chemicals down my drains or toilets.”
The majority of land in the United States is owned by private citizens like us and together we can make a real difference. Studies have shown that even very small amounts of pesticides, fertilizers and pharmaceuticals in our water can adversely impact human health. Taking the pledge is an important and simple step to a cleaner safer water supply.
The Garden Club of America thanks Diane Lewis, MD, founder of The Great Healthy Yard Project and member of the Bedford Garden Club, Zone III For Starting The Healthy Yard Pledge. www.tghyp.com
Garden Club of America Conservation Pledge:
To preserve America’s beauty and natural heritage for future generations, we pledge to:
- promote conservation stewardship through environmental education and advocate scientifically-based environmental legislation;
- work to protect endangered species, especially flora, to promote biodiversity and to conserve natural resources;
- encourage the responsible use of our public lands for the benefit of all citizens; and
- work to reduce industrial, municipal, and household waste and advocate the prevention of pollution of soil, air, and water.
For more information select here to visit GCA’s National Affairs Legislation and Conservation Page
Roof Rain Water
Rethink. Reuse. Recycle.
At the Seattle Flower Show ‘Northwest Passages’ on May 16th, 2015 at the Bellevue Botanical Garden the Seattle Garden Club will have a conservation exhibit on display showing the journey of roof rain water. The system is designed to both conserve water and divert excess storm water from the sewer system. Homeowners will learn how to implement these ideas on a smaller scale.
At the BBG, roof rain water travels to a large underground storage tank or cistern. The filtered rain water is then used to flush toilets. When long rainy periods exceed the storage tank holding capacity, the excess water is sent directly from the roof into an adjacent lovely and functional rain garden. The exhibit will explain how a rain garden is built to absorb excess storm water and help keep Puget Sound clean while at the same time enhancing the beauty of home yards.
This is something one can do at home and depending on where you live, there may be funding to help you.
12,000 Rain Gardens
Help clean up Puget Sound by diverting rain water into a lovely rain garden.
Rain Water Usage
Ideas from King County on how to use your roof rain water more efficiently.
Rain Barrel
Save money on your water bill and use a rain barrel to water your yard and fill your vases.
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