Eco Friendly Tips

Indoor Water Saving Tips

• Report leaky faucets and toilets to property managers, and refer them to this information:  fix leaky toilets, pipes, or faucets.  (see text box below)
• Run the dishwasher and the washing machine with full loads only.
• If you wash dishes by hand, don’t leave the water running.
• Don’t let the faucet run while you clean food.
• Sweep sidewalks instead of hosing them down.

This information can also be found here:

http://www.ci.gresham.or.us/departments/des/water/water_conservation/

Recycling Tips:

For Commercial Offices:

• Almost half of the region’s garbage is generated by businesses, and most of that could still be recycled!  For example, 25 percent of the garbage that businesses throw away – more than 120,000 tons annually – is paper that is fully recycleable.  If you see businesses throwing away paper, cardboard, or any other recyclable items direct them to RecycleAtWork.com , where they can get free assistance for recycling.
• Most offices and residential service now utilize a ‘comingled system’ of recycling.  This means that paper, metal cans, plastic bottles and tubs can all be mixed in one container, and glass goes into a separate container.
• Many other items, such as paint, scrap metal, and clean plastics are very recycleable.  For more information contact the Metro Recycling Hotline (503)234-3000.

For Residential Houses:

• Paper (newspaper, junk mail, scrap paper, phonebooks), plastic bottles and tubs (6 ounces and larger), and scrap metal (cans, coat hangers, screws) can all be recycled, and within Gresham City limits the can be mixed together in the big blue rollcart.
• Glass bottles and jars go in a separate container.
• Not all plastics can be recycled at the curb.  Currently only tubs – such as yogurt, margarine, cottage cheese and salsa containers – and plastic bottles are accepted.

Stormwater Protection

For garbage areas:

• It is important to protect our streams and rivers by keeping garbage inside of garbage cans.  If you come across a dirty garbage area, either clean it up, or explain to the owners that have a clean garbage area is important. 

Sidewalks and driveways:

•  Sweeping sidewalks and driveways instead of cleaning them with the hose not only reduces water use, but protects our streams and rivers.  This is because oils and other debris from cars and emissions build up on our roads and sidewalks.  If water carries this down the storm drain, it negatively effects our streams.

At Home

v      Never dump used motor oil, paint or household chemicals on the ground or in a storm drain.

v     Don't pour household chemicals down the sink or flush them down the toilet.

v      Use non-toxic alternatives to home cleaning chemicals.

v      Don't buy more of a household cleaner or other chemical than you need for the job.

v     Read and follow directions on the use of household chemicals and disposal of containers.

v      Sweep driveways and patios clean instead hosing them down.

v    Check for leaky faucets and turn off the water when brushing teeth to conserve water.

v    Pre-cycle. Buy products with less packaging.

v      Pick up pet waste and put it in the garbage can or flush it down the toilet.

In Your Yard

v      Preserve established trees in your yard and neighborhood.

v      Don't overuse fertilizers and pesticides.

v      Plant trees, shrubs and ground covers that filter pollutants and reduce stormwater runoff.

v      Don't cut your grass too short. Adjust your lawnmower to the proper height to reduce runoff from lawns.

v      Plant native vegetation and choose plants that require little or no fertilizer.

v      When you water your plants and lawn, make sure water doesn't wash over streets and sidewalks.

v      Recycle yard debris, or use it to make compost, instead of raking it into streets where it can wash into storm sewers.