The Aqueduct and Sewer Authority began its plan to remove and compost the aquatic vegetation from the reservoir as part of a project to improve the use and rendering of water for the 140,000 clients that are they serve as the dam.

The Aquarius Systems Aquatic Weed Harvester is removing about 4,000 cubic yards of water hyacinth weekly, which is then taken to composting facilities. Compost is a sustainable alternative to avoid the accumulation of vegetative material in landfills, whose capacity is already compromised.

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As part of a summer-long effort to cut a channel in Black Lake (New York), the Black Lake Association used an aquatic weed harvester to cut and remove invasive Eurasian watermilfoil.  On one September afternoon, the Black Lake Association harvested roughly 6,000 pounds of invasive wet weeds in less than two hours.

The harvested vegetation was taken to a local dairy farm to be used as fertilizer.

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Mechanical harvesting of East Okoboji and in Lower Gar (Iowa) initially began on May 13, but it was halted until May 16 to get more weeds closer to the surface.

During the 3½ weeks of mechanical harvesting, 321 loads of cut curlyleaf were transferred to shore with 200 cubic feet per load. The weight of the harvested (wet) curlyleaf was 15 pounds per cubic feet. This led to a total of 963,000 pounds of wet weight!

In all, more than 41 acres of boat lanes were cut with all of the curlyleaf hauled to shore and taken to a DNR approved dumpsite. Once the dumped curlyleaf has dried out, at least 80 percent will be ground up and mixed in a compost for use on gardens, etc.

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Energy Star Savings for your Home 

Raising your thermostat by only 2 degrees and using a ceiling fan on low can lower cooling costs by up to 15%.  Change out incandescent light bulbs with EPA’s Energy Star qualified lighting; not only does it use less energy, but it produces about 75% less heat.

Increase your Gas Mileage

Reduce your idling time, obey the speed limit, avoid hard accelerations, and unload unnecessary items from trunk will all help to increase your fuel economy.

Prevent Skin Cancer and be Sun Wise

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US.  Practice safe sun habits.

Heading to the Beach?  Check the Water

Check out your specific beach advisory and closing notifications.

Smartphone Apps

Get location-specific current air quality information and an hourly forecast of UV radiation levels

Protect yourself with Insect Repellents

Mosquitoes and ticks carry diseases, but the right repellent can protect you free their bites.

Water Wisely

As much as 30% of outdoor water is wasted due to evaporation by watering in the middle of the day.  Instead, water in the morning when the winds are calm and temperatures are cool.

Clean Greener

If you’re going to wash the car, deck, boat, RV, or grill – be sure to look for the Design for the Environment (DfE) label to identify products that are safer for families and help protect the environment.

Improve your Indoor Air

While inside this summer, make sure to free your house of mold, test for radon, check your carbon monoxide detector and ask smokers to go outside.

Check into an Energy Star Hotel

An Energy Star certified hotel use an average of 35% less energy and emit an average of 35% less greenhouse gas emissions than non-certified hotels.

Waste Less and Recycle More

Americans generate millions of tons of waste in homes and communities.  Recycled items such as glass can be used in roadway asphalt and recovered plastic can be used in carpeting and park benches.

Season Firewood

Split firewood to the proper size; stack so that air can circulate around it; cover the top to protect is from rain; and store your firewood for at least 6 months before using it.

Looking for a Summer Project?  Try Composting

Fun and educational, composting saves landfill space, helps feed the soil and prevents methane.

The fight for a clean environment continues in a climate of increasing urgency, as the ravages of climate change become more manifest every day. We invite you to be a part of Earth Day and raise your environmental consciousness by taking part in local organized events or creating your own event.

Here are some ideas:

1. Make a bird house:  Use recycled products and you will be providing shelter for wildlife and reducing landfill materials.
2. Plant a Tree: It will help clean the air and reduce your carbon footprint.
3. Pick up Liter: Pick up one piece of trash every day for a year and there would be 365 less pieces of liter, now if 1,000, 10,000, 100,000 people did the same; collectively we could make a real impact on the liter problem.
4. Microwave you Dinner: Microwaves use less energy than the stove and for a bonus; heat your meal in a reusable container.
5. Leave the car at home: Save money, conserve energy, and reduce air pollution.
6. Be Dirty: An average tub holds 40 gallons of water while a 5 minute shower uses 15 gallons.  Skip the bath and conserve water.
7. Visit a Landfill, Recycling Center, or Water Treatment Plant: Not only will you gain a better understanding of how these processes work, but you will be better informed to make responsible decisions on ways you can recycle, reuse, and conserve.
8. Start Composting: It takes 500 – 1000 years to create an inch of soil.  Use egg shells, carrot peels, and other food waste to create soil for the Earth.
9. Make a Donation: Help support a green organization such as the Sierra Club, Green Peace, The Nature Conservancy, or even your local lake association.
10. Start a garden: Gardening is a great way to get outside and get some physical activity, it also provides an inexpensive and healthy food source.
11. Choose to go green: Make a conscious decision to turn off the water while brushing your teeth or to recycle general purpose and alkaline batteries.  Everyday actions can make an impact on the environment.