Resident Resources
Green Commuities When making home improvements, the most attractive option is often the most environmentally friendly option. That’s what this year’s winners of the Green Community Awards discovered as they solved issues with too much rainwater or too much sun in their lawns. For their commitment to aesthetic beauty and environmental benefit, the 2021 Green Community Awards are presented to: Marsha Kurka 4475 Churchill Street The yard behind Marsha’s townhome slopes down to her patio. She often had pooling water that caused issues. She decided to have a rain garden installed that would let the rainwater soak into the ground. Since she is a master naturalist, Marsha wanted to create an area that also provides habitat for songbirds. Thomas Reynen & Stephen Gryzan 3316 Emmert Street Tom and Steve have a long asphalt driveway that would carry the rainwater all the way past their house and into Lake Emily. They worked with a landscaping company to install a drain across the driveway
to catch that rainwater and direct it into a series of dry creek beds where it can infiltrate into the ground. They also added a rain garden and a shoreline buffer. Claire & Jim Graupmann 5972 Ridge Creek Rd It’s tough to grow grass in Claire and Jim’s south facing front yard because it gets so much sun. They removed a portion of the lawn and installed a garden planted with drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly perennials. This complements gardens in the back yard that transformed other areas from lawn to perennials.
Julie & Justin Yarrington 5885 Stephen Circle Julie and Justin also had a south facing lawn that dried up in the summer sun. They decided to start a perennial garden from seed. They are two years into their project and have received assistance from Rice Creek Watershed District in the form of consultation and cost sharing. Starting from seed rather than plant plugs means it will take longer before the native plantings are established. All the winners received assistance from their watershed district. They recommend that if you’re considering a similar project to see what help may be available for your project.
Sustainable Holidays The holiday season can be full of joy, unfortunately the season also generates a lot of waste. Reduce your impact this year with these tips.
Gifts •
Consider gifts that offer an experience like gift cards for a day of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
Reduce
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Handmade gifts like cookies & breads, or handmade mittens & scarves offer a personal touch.
Americans typically produce 7.5 pounds of trash every day during the holidays.
Wrapping paper Wrapping paper with glitter, metal, or tissue is not recyclable. Opt for gift bags, recyclable gift wrap or newspaper to wrap.
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WINTER 2021
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Traditional stocking stuffers including oranges and pears are sweet treats that won’t leave a trail of trash.
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Cloth produce bags, beeswax wrap for food storage, kitchen compost bins and bags are all great gifts for an eco-conscience loved one.
Reuse •
Save wrapping materials & decorations and use them next year. Simply break down boxes and store items until next year. • Gift & shirt boxes • Gift bags • Ribbons & decorations
Find more ideas at reduce.org.
