REUSE-REDUCE-RECYCLE

TIP FOR THE DAY

Knowledge is power: Educate yourself about endangered species and native plants to your area
Don't pollute
Prevent soil erosion by seeding for grass or planting shrubs.
Avoid dumping chemicals down drains.
Avoid releasing non-native plant and animal species into the environment. Non-native species, or species not found naturally in an area, can alter the ecological community and have a negative impact on native plants and animals.
Be fancy! Replace the use of paper napkins at dinnertime with cloth napkins. You can wash these a few times a week or whenever they're dirty. Use dish towels to wipe up messes instead of paper towels. This too will help cut down on the amount of garbage your household produces.
Choose paper over plastic for your party. Having people over and want to use disposable plates and cups? Skip the plastic and get paper ones. These break down easier in the environment and don't deplete the ozone layer as much (although it's better to nix the disposables and use washables!).

COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CLF's) are better for the environment - and our pocketbooks - than traditional incandescent bulbs. Energy Star qualified bulbs use up 75 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs, last up to 10 times longer and cost little up front.

However, concerns over the mercury in CFLs have raised questions about the proper disposal of them.

Murcury is toxic. Take care when removing the bulb from its packaging, installing, or replacing it.

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that consumers recycle CFLs. Local reacycling options are listed at www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling or www.earth911.org.

LETS KEEP OUR WATER CLEAN

The riparian area is the zone of natural vegetation along the banks of the stream. Plant roots along the stream stabilize the banks and prevent erosion. The vegetated area helps prevent flooding and pollution because of its ability to absorb rain and filter runoff from the surrounding land. Riparian area vegetation keeps the stream cool and provides cover for fish and habitat for birds and wildlife.

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Gravel, cobbles and boulders beneath the surface of the water create protective cover for many animals that live in the stream. Not only are there places to hide from predators, but the rocks give animals a place to rest out of the fast current.

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When applying chemicals, remember to leave a minimum 25-foot setback from all water bodies.

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Emergent vegetation has its roots in the water and its leaves above the surface of the water. It provides protection for small fish species and a nursery area for the fry of larger fish.

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The Oklahoma Conservation Commission provides assistance to Oklahoma's 88 conservation districts and to the public in order to foster a sence of care, wise use and best management of Oklahoma's renewable natural resources.

For more information call 405-521-2384. Additional information on each division can also be found at the OCC Website: www.conservation.ok.gov