Raindrops to Refuge Frequently Asked Questions
When we attend fairs and festivals and workshops around the area, we hear some of the same questions over and over. Perhaps you've been wondering about some of these things too.

Please realize that for many of these questions, there are several helpful responses. What we have below is our current best information, but you may find other information equally and perhaps even more helpful. Let us know when you do. If you don't see your question here, send us an email and we'll do our best to find the answer for you, and as quickly as possible.

By the way, we think your questions are great! They're a clear indication that you're well aware of the significance of watershed protection in your community and you're doing your part. Kudos!

1) Why is a rain barrel a good investment? How can I get a rain barrel to collect water on my property?

Our Response: The demand for clean safe drinking water is growing, yet the supply is shrinking. Meanwhile, managing stormwater is an increasing conundrum for cities and towns, often resulting in our rivers being polluted with untreated sewage from sewage treatment plants that are overwhelmed with water when we have a storm. No matter where you live in this country, and no matter how you live, it pays to save water. The water you collect and save in a barrel can be used to water your lawn and garden, hose down your kayak, fill the bird bath, and much more. A rain barrel saves you money, and safeguards the watershed, rivers, and streams by reducing storm water discharge.

There are a number of types of barrels that can be used to collect rainwater from your spouts. Folks are using old wine barrels, 55 gallon drums, old bathtubs, and other large containers, so long as it is clean or can be cleaned sufficiently. However, if you'd like to see some nice new ones, here's a local source for very attractive rainbarrels: The Rainbarrel Man! http://www.rainbarrelman.com/index.htm

2) How can I safely dispose of pharmaceuticals so that they don't end up in the water supply?

Our Response: Do NOT put medication down the drain or flush it down the toilet. Medication does not belong in sewage treatment plants, streams and rivers, or our drinking water. But they are showing up in these places and they're hurting our wildlife and our own bodies in strange and disturbing ways. Metro's hazardous waste facilities are not licensed to accept controlled substances, such as narcotic prescription drugs. However, other medications can be brought to the Metro hazardous waste facilities for disposal.

Pills and capsules: Add a small amount of water to them so they are not usable. Then disperse them throughout your garbage.

Liquids: Add an absorbent, such as flour or kitty litter, recap the bottle and put it in the garbage.

3) How and where can I dispose of hazardous substances?

Our Response: Small quantities of hazardous materials are common in the homes of most Oregonians. Examples include pesticides, herbicides, poisons, corrosives, solvents, fuels, paints, motor oil, antifreeze, and mercury and mercury-containing wastes. Risks from household hazardous wastes stem from improper use, handling, storage and disposal. Some of these can be toxic in small quantities and represent significant hazards to human health and the environment.

According to national estimates, each home contains from three to eight gallons of hazardous materials in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and basements. Throwing them in the garbage can threaten sanitation workers, who can be injured or poisoned by acids, fires, and explosions. The outcome of improper use and handling of household hazardous wastes is the potential contamination of surface water, groundwater, and air resulting in exposure to humans. You should never dispose of your household toxic trash down the sink, on the ground, down a storm drain, or in your garbage can.

1. Use safer alternatives.
2. Read labels before purchasing. Watch for the words "caution," "warning," and "danger." Follow label directions.
3. Buy only what you need and will use up.
4. If you do have products left over, give them to friends, neighbors, or charitable institutions to use up.

Take unwanted products to a hazardous waste collection site. Metro and DEQ have detailed information on their websites about when and where you can take hazardous materials for properdisposal.

4 ) How can I make my own cleaning products?

Our Response: We've borrowed these homemade cleaning recipes from the Oregon Environmental Council. For more tips from OEC, go to www.oeconline.org

Rust Remover for Sinks and Tubs

Sprinkle a little bit of salt on the rust, squeeze a lime over the salt until is it nicely soaked in lime juice. Leave the mixture on for 2 or 3 hours. Use the rind as a handy scrubber.

 

Window Cleaner

¼ cup white vinegar
½ teaspoon liquid soap or detergent
2 cups water

Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to mix.

 

Wood Cleaner

¼ cup white vinegar
¼ cup water
½ teaspoon liquid soap

A few drops of olive oil

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl, saturates a sponge with the mixture; squeeze out the excess and wash surfaces.

 

All-Purpose Cleaner

¼ cup white vinegar
2 teaspoons borax
3 ½ cups hot water
20 drops of antibacterial essential oil (such as lemon or lavender essential oil)
¼ cup liquid dish soap

Mix ingredients in a 32 ounce spray bottle. Add dish soap last, and wash surfaces. The smell of vinegar will dissipate.

 

Soft Scrubber

½ cup baking soda
Enough liquid soap to make frosting-like consistency
5-10 drops of antibacterial essential oil such as lemon or lavender (optional)

Place baking soda in bowl, slowly pour in liquid soap, stirring continuously. Add essential oil. Scoop mixture onto sponge, wash surface and rinse.

 

Basin, Tub and Tile Cleaner

¼ cup baking soda
½ cup white vinegar

Combine and use with soft cloth for cleaning.

 

Carpet Spot Remover

Blot spot immediately with water.
Sprinkle with baking soda, cornstarch, or borax and let dry.
Wash with club soda and vacuum.

 

Unclog Drains

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda in and around the drain opening. Follow with a cup of white vinegar. Flush with boiling water. Repeat if necessary.

 

Mold and Mildew

Mix equal parts vinegar and water. Spray and wipe clean.

 

5) Which harmful chemicals are most important to avoid in my personal care products?

Our Response: Many ingredients in personal-care products have a negative effect on the planet – and some are linked to damaging effects on human health. For example, antibacterial agents such as Triclosan (found in cleansers, deodorants, and other cosmetics) encourage the rise of drug-resistant bacteria. Here's a list of chemicals you'll want to keep off your skin and out of your body.

6) Which fruits and vegetables are most important to buy organic?

Our Response: While washing and rinsing fresh produce may reduce levels of some pesticides, it does not eliminate them. To reduce potentially harmful chemicals in your diet, it's important to know which fruits and vegetables scored the highest in pesticide testing. If you want to reduce your family's exposure, pick up organic varieties of these ten most contaminated fruits and vegetables.

Top 10 Fruits and Vegetables to Buy Organic

7) Why should I garden with natives? Where can I buy native plants?

Our Response: Invasive plants have been introduced into an environment in which they did not originate. They lack natural enemies, grow and reproduce quickly, and are able to thrive in a wide variety of conditions. All of these characteristics allow these plants to invade new habitats and out-compete native plants for light, water, and nutrients. These plants can even impact water quality.

Few nurseries sell native plants exclusively. Wherever you buy garden plants, ask an assistant to show you where the native plants are. Here are a few nurseries in our area:

Native plants showcased at Sherwood's Snyder Park

8) How can I identify and remove invasive plants?

Our Response: Here's a very handy poster you can refer to for some of the most common invasive plants in this area and how to remove them. http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=50021

9) How can I protect my property from future development?

Our Response: We've borrowed this information from Three Rivers Land Conservancy, one of our partners in watershed protection. For more information from Three Rivers Land Conservancy, go to www.trlc.org

Three Rivers Land Trust is part of a nationwide land trust movement.  Here are some facts about land trusts and why this work is important.

What is a land trust?

A land trust has been defined as a nonprofit organization that, as all or part of its mission, actively works to conserve land by undertaking or assisting land or conservation easement acquisition, or by its stewardship of such land or easement.

Why conserve land?

Conserving land means sustaining the environment that sustains ourselves.

Tens of thousands of acres of important natural lands keep our water clean, our air clear, and give us a connection to nature.  The majority of these valuable natural lands are owned by private individuals and businesses.  These lands are being urbanized at an alarming rate. 

In order to sustain the natural environment, Three Rivers developed a strategy to conserve key lands.  We met with many groups, reviewed many scientific documents and developed our Conservation Strategies Plan.  We identified and prioritized some of the most valuable and threatened land in our Three Rivers region (the watersheds of the lower Willamette, Tualatin and Clackamas Rivers ).

This plan relies on private landowner involvement.  Three Rivers works with these private landowners to conserve the important public values that still exist on their land.  By conserving these lands, we can ensure the quality of life of people in Washington, Clackamas and Multnomah counties now and for future generations.

What tools do land trusts use?

Land trusts use a variety of tools to conserve land.  The two most commonly used are the purchase or acceptance of donations of land and the purchase or acceptance of donations of conservation easements, also called land conservation agreements. 

What is a conservation easement/agreement?

A conservation agreement, also called a conservation easement, is a legal agreement that permanently restricts the development or use of land to ensure the protection of its conservation values. 

What is stewardship?

Stewardship means taking care of the land. An important component of conserving land is taking care of the land.  If we don't care for these lands, they frequently stop keeping our air clean, our water clear and nature close to home. There are a variety of ways that natural lands can degrade:

Neighbors may cut habitat trees,

People sometimes dump yard debris introducing harmful varieties of plants and insects. 

Frequently, and perhaps most devastating, invasive plant species take over the property and the native plants die.  These native plants are home to Northwest wildlife.  The invasive plants dominate and take over a natural area.  Then, our native birds and wildlife, not usually adapted to these strange plants or animals, cannot compete and die.

The Three Rivers Stewardship Program strives to ensure that the natural values on our properties continue to thrive. The Stewardship Program can provide a great avenue for your involvement in Three Rivers.  Frequent restoration events are held.  You can learn a lot just by attending one of our restoration work parties .

Here are some interesting facts about land trusts nationwide:

Land trusts in the United States have conserved 9.4 million acres of land.

There are over 1,500 land trusts nationwide.

The first land trust was formed in 1898.

The federal internal revenue code first recognized conservation easements in 1981.

The national group Land Trust Alliance has a website that allows you to find a land trust anywhere in the United States from among its member list. Visit www.lta.org .

There are at least 16 land trusts in Oregon . 

10) Where can I sign up for green power?

Our Response: Both PGE and Pacific Power offer renewable energy options to customers at a slightly increased rate. You can register for renewable energy with PGE here and with Pacific Power here .

If you are already a renewable power subscriber and you are wondering how you can do more, sign up for the Salmon Habitat Support Program sponsored by PGE, Pacific Power, and the Nature Conservancy. Through this program, a monthly donation of $2.50 is added to your electric bill. That money is used for stream, river, and wetland restoration in Oregon . You can sign up when you register for renewable power or by calling PGE (800-542-8818) or Pacific Power (800-769-3717).

Contact us for more info