Ocean Friendly Gardens

Urban runoff from lawns, gardens, streets and hardscape is the #1 source of ocean pollution.

 One inch of rain falling on the roof of an average sized single family home can generate over 1,200 gallons of runoff. As this runoff travels through our urban landscape it picks up pollutants and bacteria that cause 20,000+ beach closures + advisories nationwide every year.

• Go organic. Say no to chemical fertilizers and pesticides! Landscaping chemicals often leak into local waterways through groundwater and runoff.
• Compost. Composting kitchen scraps and green waste helps to reduce greenhouse emissions. Finished compost can be used instead of fertilizer, preventing nutrient pollution while improving water infiltration in soil.
• Add native plants. Native plants and grasses are well suited to your local climate and don’t need supplemental irrigation when they are fully-grown!
• Shape your yard. Create contours in your landscape to capture, slow down and soak up rain, or consider installing a rain barrel.