On a more personal level, there are simple things that you can do everyday to live a little more lightly in your watershed. Here are a few things to try.

Make simple changes in your spending habits.
From our choice in garden plants (high use of water, water runoff, spread of non-native seeds) to large appliances (energy production can lead to air pollution and global warming), making simple changes in our purchasing habits can have a substantial impact on our environment.

Attach doggie bags to your dog's leash.
After watering or rain, dog waste runs directly into the stormdrain system. Having baggies available makes clean-up easy.

Walk, bike or skate to one errand a week.
Foregoing the car saves gas, reduces stress and helps us connect with our natural environment.

Keep your trash in the trash can.
Use receptacles with locking lids, or store garbage bins in the garage. Try keeping a trash bag in your car – contained trash won’t accidentally blow out the window or fall onto the street (and end up in Santa Monica Bay).

Practice organic gardening.
Toxic chemicals can find their way into the creek via runoff and erosion, and can unintentionally harm pets and native wildlife.

Wash your car at the car wash.
Washing at home sends soap and greasy water to the storm-drain system, which empties directly to the ocean unfiltered.

Dispose of pesticides, paints, batteries, antifreeze and oil at County Hazardous Waste Roundups (888-CLEANLA).
If placed in the trash, these common household goods can leak and contaminate regular trash destined for the landfill. Use natural means of lighting, heating and cooling.

Open the windows, pull down the shades, put on a sweater.
Reducing the amount of oil and gas we use can help us save money on energy bills and reduce atmospheric pollutants.

Replace your regular showerhead with a low-flow showerhead.
Available at any hardware store, low-flow showerheads use less water and can save you money.