Taking care of our resources
We can all use some tips on reducing our impact on our environment. From big cities to small towns and even rural residents, see what you can do.
Reduce
Reduce your use by turning off the water while brushing your teeth. Install water efficient appliances when replacing old ones. Learn more at Low Impact Living and Water: Use it Wisely.
View our brochure on Waste Prevention, Waste Reduction, and Buying Recycled
View our brochure on Waste Prevention, Waste Reduction, and Buying Recycled
Reuse
Collect rainwater or gray water (clean water from washing fruits and veggies) and use for watering indoor and outdoor plants. Learn more at WateReuse.
Water Recycling
Water recycling is reusing treated wastewater for beneficial purposes such as agricultural and landscape irrigation, industrial processes, toilet flushing, and replenishing a ground water basin (referred to as ground water recharge). When old items (recyclables) are made into new items, some of these items take water, but not nearly the volume of water used when making items out of new (virgin) materials.
Other Ways to Reuse
Water Recycling
Water recycling is reusing treated wastewater for beneficial purposes such as agricultural and landscape irrigation, industrial processes, toilet flushing, and replenishing a ground water basin (referred to as ground water recharge). When old items (recyclables) are made into new items, some of these items take water, but not nearly the volume of water used when making items out of new (virgin) materials.
Other Ways to Reuse
- Reuse items such as coffee mugs instead of disposable foam cups.
- Bring/purchase items to/from the thrift stores in your area rather than purchasing new items.
Recycling
When you recycle, you help reduce the amount of waste heading to the landfills. This helps slow the need for finding more space to bury our waste. Recycling Works!
America Recycles Day
Help Us Make Recycling Work in America
More than a celebration, America Recycles Day is the only nationally recognized day, November 15th of each year, dedicated to the promotion of recycling programs in the United States. It’s one day to inform and educate; one day to get our neighbors, friends, and community leaders excited about what can be accomplished when we all work together; one day to make recycling bigger and better—365 days a year. Let’s make recycling work in our communities.
Get Involved
You can organize an event (recycling challenge, recycling collection, etc.), attend an event, spread the word (by e-mailing friends and family about ARD), and take the “I Recycle” pledge or challenge all at the ARD site. Get free items (pencils, buttons, posters, etc.) while supplies last when you register an event. If you are planning a recycling event for America Recycles Day, contact the NDDEQ Solid Waste Program at (701) 328-5166.
More than a celebration, America Recycles Day is the only nationally recognized day, November 15th of each year, dedicated to the promotion of recycling programs in the United States. It’s one day to inform and educate; one day to get our neighbors, friends, and community leaders excited about what can be accomplished when we all work together; one day to make recycling bigger and better—365 days a year. Let’s make recycling work in our communities.
Get Involved
You can organize an event (recycling challenge, recycling collection, etc.), attend an event, spread the word (by e-mailing friends and family about ARD), and take the “I Recycle” pledge or challenge all at the ARD site. Get free items (pencils, buttons, posters, etc.) while supplies last when you register an event. If you are planning a recycling event for America Recycles Day, contact the NDDEQ Solid Waste Program at (701) 328-5166.
Compost
When compost is used on your lawn and plants, it will help retain moisture and reduce the need for excess water. By composting grass, leaves, and other organic materials you will help save space in local landfills. Yard waste typically makes up one-third of our waste stream.
When you have the right combination of organics, the microorganisms put forth the effort to reduce the pile rather than you expending your energy.
Other Information on Compost
When you have the right combination of organics, the microorganisms put forth the effort to reduce the pile rather than you expending your energy.
Other Information on Compost
- Check out the “how-to” on composting with the “Cheat Sheet for Composting” page and the “I Didn't Know That Was Compostable!” page by Earth911 writers.
- The ND Department of Environmental Quality has several brochures regarding composting, grass, and wood chip uses, etc. Check the section under Solid Waste Program and Composting.