DEEP is continuing to carry out its mission and provide services while keeping both the public and our workforce safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for the latest updates on DEEP's response to COVID-19. DEEP COVID-19 Response

Environmental Tips for Earth Day and Every Day!

What do I do with this? Find out how to dispose of, recycle or reuse items from A to Z.
Do you know how much energy you lose through leaky doors, windows and other areas of your home? Through the Home Energy Solutions program you can receive an energy audit where a professional seals air leaks, installs compact florescent bulbs, provides water conservation devices, offers financial incentives and more.
Setting up a gift registry for a wedding, birthday, graduation or other special event? Prioritize connection over consumption with SoKind - the "alternative" gift registry.
Get outdoors with your family. Learn to fish, take a walk or a day trip to a CT state forest or park or DEEP Nature Center, letterbox, camp and more. 
Kick the water bottle habit. Buy a reusable container and fill it with tap water. Learn more about drinking water quality in CT. 
Idling is "fuelish"! CT law prohibits vehicles from idling for more than 3 minutes. Turn off that engine to keep our air clean and healthy. Learn about anti-idling efforts in CT.
Select the best fish to eat and the best fruits and vegetables to eat organic for your health and the environment.
Have a painting project in mind? Use paints with low or no volatile organic compounds. Learn about the Product Stewardship Council program on managing leftover paint.
Save money and reduce energy consumption - buy Energy Star appliances.
Attract bluebirds to your yard. Build or install a bird house.
Start a green team at your workplace.
Want to learn more about DEEP programs, state parks, home composting and more? Watch a video on-line.
Turn your spoils into soil. Compost your food scraps.
Flush only human waste and toilet paper in the toilet. Flushing cleaning wipes can cause sewage back-up at pumping stations that pollute our water.  
Find another home for used clothing, household goods and more. Donate them to a charity or put them up on a website such as Freecycle or Craigslist.  ReUse Centers and Material Exchanges
Follow these tips for reducing water consumption at home.
Do you want to have a healthy, green lawn and avoid pesticides? Learn about organic land care techniques.
Pets are susceptible to unhealthy air and water and chemicals, just like humans. Learn how toxic chemicals can affect your pet.
Bring insect sprays, de-icers, cleaning products, compact fluorescent light bulbs, mercury thermometers, oil paints and stains and other toxic chemicals to a household hazardous waste collection.
Clean up your dog’s waste. It can contain harmful pathogens that can contaminate our drinking water.   
Looking for a gift for a holiday or special event? Consider food, theatre or sports tickets or a donation to a charity rather than buying the latest fad item or something that will not be used. Become a responsible consumer.
The average teen uses 17 personal care products and make-up each day! Educate them to make smarter choices for their health and the environment.
Consider solar power for your home. 
Don’t Trash Grass! Save time and money by leaving clippings on the lawn as a fertilizer. 
Seal and disguise medicines and over the counter drugs and put them in the trash, not down the toilet or sink. Learn how to disposing of prescription medicines and over-the-counter products safely.
Make an important contribution toward the preservation of our environment for future generations. Give your time and talents as a volunteer for the DEEP or some other environmental organization.
Renovating or redecorating? Save natural resources and money. Buy good quality, gently used, reclaimed building products at a CT building materials reuse center.
Take the clean boater pledge and keep our water in CT clean. 
Biking and walking are great ways to save energy and get some exercise. Did you know some CT buses have bike racks? Learn more about biking resources in CT.
Bats love insects like mosquitoes! Keep them in your yard for their excellent insect control abilities.
Plant native species. Non-native plants are aggressive and can't compete with native plants. Learn about invasive species.  
Prevent water pollution and conserve water by washing your car on your lawn rather than your driveway. The better solution is to take it to a car wash.  
Are you concerned about your kid’s exposure to pesticides on the grounds of their school or day care? Learn more about a CT law that protects them.  
Looking for an alternative to buying water but don’t like the taste of your tap water? Install a filter
Each CT resident generates an estimated 5 pounds of garbage every day. Look for ways to reduce the amount of trash you produce
Beware of phantom loads! Computers, TVs, and cell phone chargers use electricity even when off. Plug them into a power strip to save energy. 
Get outdoors and play! Learn about CT’s No Child Left Inside program.
Set an example and talk to your kids, neighbors and friends about habits that are good for the environment like recycling and buying locally-grown food and products. 
Learn how to talk to a climate change skeptic.
Recycle right! Visit your town’s web site or find your town's recycling contact to learn what is currently accepted.  
Conserve water in your yard. Collect rain water in a barrel and use the water on your garden and lawn. Plant a rain garden to collect run-off from driveways and sidewalks.
Go native! Purchase Connecticut grown local food and support local farms and farmer's markets.
Hang your wash outside to dry. You’ll save lots of energy and wear and tear on your clothes and bedding. Project Laundry List
Take action to make your town more sustainable by urging your town manager or governing board to participate in Sustainable CT - a voluntary certification program that recognize Connecticut municipalities for making their communities more vibrant, resilient and livable. 

Earth Day

 

Content last updated April 2018