This Blue Life page will be unavailable beginning November 1, 2021. Please visit Lagoon Loyal to learn more about how you can help protect the Indian River Lagoon.
REMEMBER to COMMIT to the SUMMER FERTILIZER BAN.
No phosphorus or nitrogen fertilizers June 1-Sept. 30.
DO YOU live the BLUE LIFE?
We all play a vital part in helping to restore and protect the Indian River Lagoon and all precious bodies of water in and around our community. Live the BLUE LIFE today to be personal stewards engaged in protecting our waters for the future.
The BLUE LIFE program is designed to inform individuals about practices that damage the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), to promote pollutant load reduction and to provide more environmentally safe choices to reduce our footprint, improving water quality for all.
Living the BLUE LIFEstyle is easy, effective and often less expensive. Catch the wave and Take the BLUE LIFE PLEDGE Today!
Minimize pesticides and use the proper fertilizer for your soil and plants. Contact Brevard County Agriculture Extension st 321-633-1702 for help or Click Here to visit their website. For a small fee, have your soil tested to determine exactly what your lawn and garden needs to thrive. This BLUE LIFEstyle saves you money and promotes a healthy marine environment.
Commit to the summer ban–no phosphorus or nitrogen fertilizers June 1-Sept. 30.
#1 NITROGEN
Nitrogen encourages foliage growth, and SLOW RELEASE is the way to go! This gives your plant smaller feedings more frequently Here are some trade words that identify SLOW RELEASE Nitrogen fertilizer: Timed-Release, Slow Release, Controlled Release, Nitroform, Ureaform (UF), Water Insoluble Nitrogen, Isobutylidene Diurea (IBDU), Sulfer-, Polymer-, Platic- or Resin-Coated Urea.
#2 PHOSPHORUS
Phosphorus contributes to rooting of the plant. Unless you have a newly seeded area, you probably do not need Phosphorus. Go “P” FREE with Phosphorus free fertilizer.
A label with 0 as the middle number indicates “P” FREE! Remember, 0 in the middle supports the H20 in the Lag00n.
#3 POTASSIUM
Potassium contributes to the overall health of plants. Provide a balanced “diet” for your lawn by making sure that there’s a 2:1 ratio, or that the first number (NITROGEN) equals the third number (POTASSIUM).
~ Do not over water
~ Sweep & never hose down
~ Compost or mulch yard waste
~ Return grass clippings to the yard
~ Recycle rainwater – install a rain barrel
~ Pull, mow or spot treat weeds
~ Direct gutter downspouts to vegetation
~ Use municipal collection for yard waste as needed
~ Never apply fertilizer or pesticide before a rainstorm
~ Don’t mow grass too short
~ Use pesticides sparingly
~ Properly dispose of paint and batteries
Leaving pet waste on the ground increases health risks and can spread disease. Pet waste contains harmful bacteria and pathogens that are destructive to our waterways. Be courteous and dispose of all pet waste properly – bag it and trash it!
Wash your vehicle at a commercial car wash. Car wash stations recycle their water, which traps the dirt, oils, greases and auto fluids being removed preventing them from entering a storm drain and eventually the Indian River Lagoon. If you must personally wash your vehicle, wash it on the grass where soil will trap the dirt and grime.
Check your vehicles, watercraft and other machinery for leaks and spills. Repair leaks immediately.
Use a service station for all automotive oil and fluid changes. Vehicle care facilities have materials on hand to quickly clean up any spills that may result. If you do this yourself, remember to keep absorbent material like cat litter on hand for any potential accidents, and dispose of the litter with your regular garbage pickup.
Recycle used oils and other fluids at participating service stations, or bring them to area hazardous water collection centers. Most places that sell oil, will receive used oil for disposal. To find a location near you, visit www.earth911.com. NEVER dispose of vehicle oils or fluids down household drains or storm drains.
Please visit a local car wash or wash your car on your lawn or other pervious areas.
~ Recycle. Follow the accepted materials guidelines of your municipality
~ BUY RECYCLED.
~ USE RAIN BARRELS to recycle rainwater for later use when you need it.
~ RECYCLE GREENERY or vegetation debris. Leave the cut grass blades on the lawn or compost. Sweep or blow cut grass on all paved areas back on the lawn. Compost yard waste or participate in municipal collections or drop-off on your own. This includes your annual Christmas tree too!
~ REUSE materials for art projects at home, at your local schools and daycare centers or the
~ RECYCLE WATER If you’re a homeowner, consider rearranging your plumbing
so that rainwater or wastewater from your shower and tub is used to flush your toilet. Water your garden with leftover bathwater or dishwashing water (as long as you use a biodegradable soap).
Put litter in its place – including cigarette butts. Did you know that litter or trash is eventually carried to storm drains, and that litter which is too big to fit in the drain, blocks the flow of water causing flooding? If the litter is small enough to fall through the cracks, it enters the underground pipes that lead to storm water ponds and eventually to the Lagoon or the St. Johns River. Sometimes animals mistaken trash for food and they can become entangled, sick or die.
To report a less than courteous neighbor or litterbug, dial *KBB on your cell phone to leave a message for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department. The litterbug will receive a warning letter.
The BLUE LIFE Organization is available to assist you in any way we can. We are in your community and here to help. We are available to attend special events, home owner association meetings, civic organizations, school functions, environmental fairs and more. For questions, comments or bookings don’t hesitate to contact us.
BLUE LIFE c/o Brevard Zoo
8225 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32940
