Reduce

Select low maintenance/slow growing plants and grasses.
Reduce or eliminate plastic silt fencing and substitute with blankets, berms, and filtersocks made of compost for erosion control.
Switch from pressure-treated wood to plastic lumber for decks, benches, and signs.
Return wooden pallets and other shipping materials to your supplier whenever possible.
When replacing an existing hardscape or structure, deconstruct, reuse and recycle all possible materials such as metal, wood, shingles, concrete, and pavement.
Minimize site and soil disruptions to the maximum extent possible.
Cluster structures to maximize open space.
Minimize turf grass and paved areas – keep as much natural area as possible.

Conserve water through xeriscaping.
Incorporate compost into the soil to help improve water absorption and retention.
Top-dress your turf with compost.
Reduce non-permeable hardscape wherever possible.
Place mulch over a plant’s root zone to reduce moisture evaporation and conserve water.
Install drip irrigation systems.
Install composting toilets in remote locations to reduce water and servicing requirements.
Clean equipment with compressed air whenever possible. Grass clippings and debris should be collected and composted.

Strategically plant vegetation outside and around buildings to reduce indoor heating and cooling needs.
Use hand or electric equipment where ever feasible to reduce emissions.
Use biobased fuels and lubricants in place of petroleum.
Implement scheduled equipment maintenance program for increased efficiency and reduced emissions.

Use compost as a soil amendment to help reduce the need for chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Incorporate native plants in your landscape—they generally require less fertilizers and pesticides.
Implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.
Spot treat whenever possible.
Set mower blades higher to fight weeds and diseases without pesticides.
Grasscycle—leave grass clippings in place (don’t bag) when mowing.
Produce less green waste by limiting fertilizer and water use.
Use mulch around trees and in flowering beds as weed prevention.
Purchase only what you need and can use for a specific treatment.
Return unused excess product to supplier if possible.
If you cannot return excess product, contact your local solid waste agency and your state pesticide disposal program to determine if a waste or pesticide program now commonly called “Clean Sweep” is available. These efforts by state and local governments typically focus on agricultural pesticides, but may also include other pesticides used by homeowners, golf courses, and highway departments.

Plant trees to shade paved areas and help reduce the summer “heat-island” effect.
Compost organic waste in lieu of burning or burying.