Detroit River Canadian Cleanup

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The DRCC Newsletter

Join the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup mailing list to keep up-to-date about Detroit River news and events.

What can you do to help restore the Detroit River?

There are many actions, big and small, that can help protect and restore the health of the Detroit River ecosystem. Remember, every little bit counts!

Volunteer with the DRCC: participate in watershed cleanups, tree plantings, attend meetings of the Public Advisory Council and become a "friend of your watershed".
Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. Dispose of compact fluorescent light bulbs (curly bulbs) at the hazardous waste depot or at local businesses that recycle the bulbs (e.g., Home Depot).
Compost organic waste and recycle items at home and at work. Mix the compost into your soil to provide important nutrients to your plants without the use of chemical fertilizers.
Use phosphate-free detergents and soaps.
Do not feed wildlife (ducks, geese, gulls) at beaches. It will attract them to the area and their feces contains bacteria that contaminates the water (and can make us sick).
Maintain and have your septic system inspected every 3-5 years. A faulty septic system can leak and contaminate nearby streams and rivers that lead to the Detroit River.
Disconnect your eaves trough and have a rain barrel installed. Not only will you help reduce the amount of combined sewer overflows, you will also help conserve water (and reduce your monthly water bills)!
Wash your car on the lawn instead of your driveway. You lawn will filter contaminants and preven them from entering storm drains.
Dispose of use gasoline, oil, paint, etc. at the hazardous waste depot. NEVER pour these items into the storm sewer--they drain directly to the Detroit River.
Bring unused or expired medication to your local pharmacy for safe disposal. Avoid throwing them in the garbage or flushing them down the toilet which can harm wildlife and pollute the river.
Leave grass clippings on your lawn. They'll provide a great source of slowly released nitrogen for the grass and soil.
Use fertilizers sparingly-many plants do not need as much fertilizer as you may think.
Do not fertilize before a rainstorm (check the weather forecasts) and avoid spraying near curbs, sidewalks, and pavement.
Consider using organic fertilizers (e.g., compost) or a slow-release fertilizer (they'll provide a more uniform feeding and less risk that excess fertilizer will leach away from the root zone).
Spread the word! Tell a friend, co-worker, or family member about the RAP and encourage them to become more environmentally responsible.

WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A HEALTHIER RIVER!

Volunteer with the DRCC: participate in watershed cleanups, tree plantings, attend meetings of the Public Advisory Council and become a "friend of your watershed".

Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. Dispose of compact fluorescent light bulbs (curly bulbs) at the hazardous waste depot or at local businesses that recycle the bulbs (e.g., Home Depot).

Compost organic waste and recycle items at home and at work. Mix the compost into your soil to provide important nutrients to your plants without the use of chemical fertilizers.

Use phosphate-free detergents and soaps.

Do not feed wildlife (ducks, geese, gulls) at beaches. It will attract them to the area and their feces contains bacteria that contaminates the water (and can make us sick).

Maintain and have your septic system inspected every 3-5 years. A faulty septic system can leak and contaminate nearby streams and rivers that lead to the Detroit River.

Disconnect your eaves trough and have a rain barrel installed. Not only will you help reduce the amount of combined sewer overflows, you will also help conserve water (and reduce your monthly water bills)!

Wash your car on the lawn instead of your driveway. You lawn will filter contaminants and preven them from entering storm drains.

Dispose of use gasoline, oil, paint, etc. at the hazardous waste depot. NEVER pour these items into the storm sewer--they drain directly to the Detroit River.

Bring unused or expired medication to your local pharmacy for safe disposal. Avoid throwing them in the garbage or flushing them down the toilet which can harm wildlife and pollute the river.

Leave grass clippings on your lawn. They'll provide a great source of slowly released nitrogen for the grass and soil.

Use fertilizers sparingly-many plants do not need as much fertilizer as you may think.

Do not fertilize before a rainstorm (check the weather forecasts) and avoid spraying near curbs, sidewalks, and pavement.

Consider using organic fertilizers (e.g., compost) or a slow-release fertilizer (they'll provide a more uniform feeding and less risk that excess fertilizer will leach away from the root zone).

Spread the word! Tell a friend, co-worker, or family member about the RAP and encourage them to become more environmentally responsible.