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Make a Difference

Green Living - Tips and resources for making environmentally responsible choices in your daily life

Bookmark this page and check the "10 Things" list below for seasonally updated actions you can take to live greener right now!


Large expanses of open meadow are essential
for the breeding and survival of important
bird species in NY.

Ten Things You Can Do to Help The Environment Right Now

  • Get paid not to mow your grass
    If you own 10 acres or more of grasslands in certain parts of New York you may be able to receive technical and financial assistance to improve it as habitat for grassland birds. See the Grassland Protection Program for targeted areas and incentives.
  • Campers, buy your firewood at the campground
    Or from a local vendor to help stop the spread of invasive insects that are threatening New York's trees. If you transport firewood, it must remain within 50 miles of its source, and you must have a receipt or label stating the source. Out-of-state firewood is prohibited unless heat-treated. If you cut and transport firewood from your own property, you can download a Self-Issued Certificate of Source (pdf, 100 kb).
  • Go fishing using safe baitfish
    See DEC's baitfish regulations for baitfish you can use anywhere or buy certified baitfish.You'll help prevent the spread of disease and keep non-native or invasive bait fish from taking over native fish habitat. Dispose of unused bait and water from your bait bucket on land, not water. For more on baitfish, see "Baitfish Of New York State."
  • Act now to take advantage of the new energy tax credits
    Substantial federal tax credits are available for renewable energy systems and energy-related home improvements including photovoltaic systems, residential wind turbines, new heating equipment and home insulation. Certain hybrid cars and plug-in electric vehicles may also be eligible. Visit the Energy Star site (see Off Site Links) to check eligibility requirements.
  • Green beer and wine
    We're not talking about St. Patrick's day. Choosing local microbrews and wines from a nearby vineyard is another way to be a "localvore". See Off Site Links to find a winery near you.
  • Close-up of the head and upper wings of a peregrine falcon
    Did you know that peregrine falcons
    nest on every Hudson River bridge
    from Troy to New York City?
    Where the wild things are
    Want to know the best place to go to see thousands of migrating hawks, a peregrine falcon or where you might be likely to find river otters? Check out DEC's Wildlife Viewing Guide for sites, viewing tips and fascinating facts about your favorite animals.
  • Boat green!
    To reduce the growth of algae and barnacles on your boat's hull without using toxic "anti-fouling" paint, take your boat out of the water between outings. Another option for recreational boaters is using a soft brush to gently scrub accumulations off. If you must apply a preventative, look for one containing irgarol or a zinc compound instead of copper oxide or tin. See "Requirements for Applying Antifouling Paints" for information on what's allowed in New York State.
  • Keep the heat out
    Close windows and shades on hot sunny days. Open them after dark to draw in cool evening air. This strategy can keep indoor temps up to 20 degrees lower than outside.
  • Clean air grilling
    A charcoal chimney with flaming coals inside sitting on the grill
    Using a charcoal chimney eliminates the
    air pollution associated with lighter fluid.
    Natural gas fired grills produce the least air pollution, but fans of charcoal grilling can still green their BBQ. Choose natural hardwood charcoal with high heat output and low ash.(see Off Site Links) Avoid the fumes and dangers associated with lighter fluid by using a charcoal chimney starter and newspaper to start the coals. When you finish grilling, remove the cooking grate for cleaning and cover the grill, closing all vents. In about an hour, the coals will extinguish and you'll have some unburned pieces for use next time. Don't bring the grill inside (or into a garage) as it is still giving off carbon monoxide.
  • Save the rain
    Divert some of the water from your gutter downspouts into a rain barrel for use during dry spells and for healthy plants. Rainwater is ideal for house plants and gardens as it has no chlorine or other chemicals that are in municipal water supplies. Look for barrels with screens or lids to keep out debris and insects and an overflow pipe to give excess water a place to go during downpours.

Bonus 11th tip!

  • Dry laundry the old-fashioned way -- outside

    Laundry drying on a clothesline

    Get that fresh scent for free, save up to $25 a month in electricity and make your clothes last longer. For relatively wrinkle-free clothes, use clothes hangers pinned to the line. Throw line-dried towels in the dryer for five minutes to remove any stiffness.

Myth Busters

Common environmental misconceptions and myths exposed and explained by DEC experts

Baby birds in the grassShould you put a baby bird back in its nest?

Myth:

If you find a baby bird that has fallen out of a nest, you can't put it back because the mother will smell the human touch on it and will reject it.

Busted!

While in most cases, it's best to leave young wildlife alone, baby songbirds are an exception. A nestling that has fallen from its nest (or a nest that has fallen from a tree) should be returned, if you can do it safely. The parents will continue to look after their young. Most birds have a very poorly developed sense of smell (vultures are the exception) and will not detect your scent. If one parent is killed, the other will generally take over all parental duties. Fully feathered fledglings will frequently be found on the ground even when they have not totally mastered the skill of flying. Putting a fledgling back into the nest is an exercise in futility-it will continue to jump out. The parents are usually close by, still caring for it. Keep pets inside until the young birds are adept at flying.


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