Living Sustainably During a Pandemic

As we all continue to adjust to the changing times, consider making some of these sustainable practices part of your "new normal":

Reusable Bags: It may be impossible to avoid single use bags, especially with the growing need for grocery pick up. Save single use shopping bags and use them as pet waste bags, or liners for small trash cans. If you are able to use reusable bags, make sure to wash and dry them completely on high heat after each use.
Recycling Cleaning Product Containers: Did you know that most cleaning product containers are recyclable? Check to see if your container is recyclable before throwing it out.
Outdoor Activities: Now is the perfect time for a bike ride around the neighborhood or a socially distanced trip to the beach. There are also many nature trails in Brevard County with plenty of room for social distancing. Check out some of these nature trails:
1. Maritime Hammock Preserve - Cocoa Beach
2. Barrier Island Sanctuary Trail- Melbourne Beach
3. Thousand Islands Conservation Area - Cocoa Beach
4. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Merritt Island/Titusville
5. Viera Wetlands - Viera

Social Distancing in Public Parks and Trails

Do not use parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms. Follow CDC's guidelines on personal hygiene prior to visiting parks and trails. Be Prepared for limited access to public restrooms and water fountains. Share the trail and warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass them. Observe CDC's minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other persons at all time.

Do All Drains Lead to the Lagoon?

Drains located inside of your house such as those in sinks, toilets, showers and washing machines flow to the Waste Water Treatment Plant. In Cocoa Beach, waste water undergoes a treatment process that removes particles and harmful bacteria before being recycled and supplied to residents as reclaimed water that is most commonly used for irrigation. For more information on reclaimed water visit the City of Cocoa Beach Website.
Drains located in the street or on curbs are Stormwater Drains that help protect streets and neighborhoods from flooding. Stormwater runoff is generated when water from rain events flows off of impervious surfaces such as roofs, roads, driveways and sidewalks. To protect our natural waterways, such as the Indian River Lagoon, it is important to minimize the amount of harmful chemicals such as fertilizers, and pesticides that may wash off of lawns during storms.
Check the area around your residence to find the storm drain nearest you. Help keep these drains clear of yard debris, and remember to never dump chemicals, auto fluids, soapy water or other harmful materials down the storm drain!

Lagoon Friendly Lawns

Does your yard make the cut?

Nutrient pollution from lawns is one of the leading sources of contaminants entering our waterways. Runoff from lawns enter storm drains which usually lead directly to the Indian River Lagoon. Keep Brevard Beautiful (KBB) suggests the following core concepts for Lagoon Friendly Lawns. Each newsletter we will dive deeper into one of their core concepts!

Minimize Nutrient Pollution
Reduce Turf Area
Reduce Stormwater Runoff
- Consider minimizing or replacing impervious surfaces such as concrete driveways or walkways with pervious surfaces that allow water to flow into the ground. Pervious surfaces include crushed concrete, rock, pavers or garden beds.
- Implement stormwater-capture landscape elements such as rain barrels, swales and rain gardens. The City of Cocoa offers a $50 rain barrel rebate to Cocoa Water Utility Customers!
- Check your irrigation system regularly for leaks and to make sure it is calibrated with rain shut off devices.
Restore Ecosystem Benefits

Want to learn more about how to make your lawn Lagoon Friendly? Join KBB on Tuesday August 18th at 6:30pm for a FREE Virtual Lagoon Friendly Lawns Information Session. Pre-Registration is required, please register on the KBB Website.

Lagoon Friendly Lawns Information Session Flyer. Content on Page

Virtual International Coastal Cleanup

Happening the entire month of September!
Register to Participate on the KBB Website