Since 1949, The Watershed Institute has worked to protect and restore clean water in central New Jersey through conservation, advocacy, science, and education. Over the past 70 years our membership has helped form a vast volunteer water monitoring network, built a far reaching environmental education program, and coordinated opposition to harmful projects along the way. Many of the programs we pilot are the culmination of effort by scientists and researchers, engineers, teachers, and citizen advocates. It takes the combined energy of our watershed community to help keep our water clean, safe and healthy.
In 2002, The Watershed Institute launched the River-Friendly Certification Program to guide residents, schools, and business towards practices that reduce pollution, conserve water, restore habitat for wildlife, and educate the public about becoming better environmental stewards. Small actions add up to big impacts. We can all have a more positive impact on our environment from our homes and places of work – which is why we made a list of 70 things we can all do about climate change.
Conserve Water
1. Take shorter showers – avoid filling the bath tub
2. Turn off the tap while brushing or shaving
3. Only wash full loads of dishes and laundry
4. Avoid watering your lawn
5. Scrape instead of rinsing your dishes
6. Install water saving faucet and shower fixtures
7. Fix leaky fixtures, running faucets, and toilets
8. Adjust the fill level or offset the flush volume of your toilets
9. Re-wear clothes that aren’t dirty
10. Limit car washing to a single soapy bucket
Reduce Consumption
11. Skip the straw
12. Carry your own water bottle / coffee mug / utensils
13. Consolidate online purchases into combined shipments
14. Reject single-use plastic containers, packaging, & bags
15. Turn off lights when you leave a room
16. Unplug idle electronics
17. Switch to energy saving fixtures, appliances, and lights
18. Use automatic or timed sensors on lights and devices
19. Buy package-free foods
20. Only buy what you need – (esp. don’t over-purchase food)
Reuse Things
21. Reuse takeout containers for electronics and hardware
22. Make rags from old sheets and clothing scraps
23. Keep old jars for canning and storing dry goods
24. Hold onto gift bags and wrapping paper for future gifts
25. When hosting a party, avoid disposable serving items
26. Get creative – make functional items from your junk bin
27. Use a food compost pile to feed garden & house plants
28. Switch to reusable batteries in everyday electronics
29. Save shipping materials for packaging and storage
30. Start seedlings in empty egg cartons
Recycle Waste
31. Drop off old clothing and furniture at a donation center
32. Visit a pharmacy to discard unused prescription meds
33. Recycle electronics at office supply stores
34. Sell or discard spare metal at your local scrap yard
35. Pass on old books to a free library or used book store
36. Shred junk paper to add to your compost pile
37. Drop off used engine fluids at automotive repair shops
38. Discard plastic bags in grocery store receptacles
39. List items on local trading sites for free or for sale
40. Contact your town about household chemical disposal
Try Your Green Thumb
41. Plant a Rain Garden
42. Redirect downspouts away from your driveway
43. Install a rain barrel
44. Get connected to solar power or renewable sources
45. Grow a native plant meadow or garden
46. Avoid the use of fertilizers and pesticides
47. Leave grass clippings on your lawn
48. Shovel to avoid winter salt usage
49. Install bird/bat houses and feeders
50. Pick up after your pet
8 Ways to an Eco-Friendly Lawn
Put Climate Change Where Your Mouth Is
Climate Change Food Calculator
51. Reduce your meat consumption – consider a plant-based diet
52. Buy local produce – get to know your local farmer
53. Grow your own garden vegetables
54. Compost your food waste
55. Participate in a community cleanup
56. Make purchases from reputable companies
57. Divest or redirect investments to sustainable companies
58. Encourage friends and family to change habits
59. Advocate for environmentally-friendly laws & policies
60. Join your local environmental organization
Travel Green
61. Walk & ride your bike more – drive less
62. Consider traveling by hybrid or electric instead of gas power
63. Take public transportation when you can
64. Carpool or ride share when you can
65. Book vacations with eco-friendly accommodations
66. Pack refillable toiletry products like shampoo and sunscreen
67. Keep up with regular maintenance on vehicles you own
68. Don’t top off your tank when refueling
69. Avoid hard accelerations and heavy braking
70. Don’t fly when driving is an option
Do you recognize some of the things on this list? If you’re already on your way, consider becoming a certified River-Friendly Resident here. Strengthen your Water-IQ, pick up a good habit, and share with your friends. Become a member to support efforts to protect clean water and healthy environments in central New Jersey.
