Environment & Sustainability

Make composting a part of your routine! Yard trimmings and food residuals together constitute 23% of the U.S. waste stream. Compost enriches the soil, helps with air quality by diverting materials from landfills, and can reduce the need for water, fertilizers, and pesticides. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers detailed information on several approaches to composting.

An outstanding system of trails and bikeways crisscross the Miami Valley, with more than 375 miles stretching across 40 communities in 11 counties. Riding your bike for leisure, work, or to run errands saves money, it's good for your health, and it's good for your carbon footprint.

Miami Valley Ohio Bikeways Map
For people who want to get out and explore, the Ohio Bikeways Map is available at the Washington Township Government Center, 8200 McEwen Road. Trail users can travel past museums and monuments, picnic areas and restaurants, and acres of parkland and gently rolling terrain. The trails wind through charming small towns as well as larger cities.

Bike Centerville 
This nonprofit organization promotes and advocates bicycling in Centerville-Washington Township. The group organizes events and collaborates with local governments, businesses, and organizations to promote an active community.

MVRPC RIDESHARE Program
Don't like the price of gas? The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission sponsors the local RIDESHARE Program, which is available for FREE to anyone who lives, works, or attends college locally. When you register for RIDESHARE, the matching software will try to link you with others who live, work, or attend college near you. You'll receive a list of people who have similar schedules and destinations.

Consumers electronics are everywhere – from alarm clocks and computers to smartphones and digital cameras. Most of the 2.2 million tons of electronic waste makes its way annually to landfills where toxic metals can seep into groundwater or be released into the air through incineration. Here are some better alternatives:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides extensive information about e-cycling, including why it's important and where to do it. Many of the sources listed are as close as the nearest large retail center.

Earth 911 also offers detailed information about how to recycle electronics and most any other household item. The site includes a recycling locator for where to take items.

Residents can dispose of expired and unwanted medications in an environmentally safe way at Washington Township's Super Saturday events or by using the drug drop-off box in the lobby of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Washington Township Substation, 8190 McEwen Road.

Most water pollution in Ohio comes from stormwater. As stormwater flows, it picks up dirt and debris, lawn chemicals, pet waste, road salt, and motor oil. From there, it flows untreated through underground pipes to the nearest stream. Washington Township has reviewed its own practices and trained its Public Works staff in methods for limiting detrimental runoff. Residents can do their part to reduce stormwater pollution by following some basic guidelines.

Tips for Reducing Storm Water Pollution

• Be a good pet owner. Pick up after your pet in your own yard and carry a bag with you when walking your dog.

• Take your car to the car wash. When you wash your car at home, detergent, wax, and other chemicals drain to storm sewers and streams. Car washes drain polluted water to the sanitary sewer, where it is then treated. If you wash your car at home, use small amounts of low-phosphorus detergent.

• Collect and recycle vehicle fluids such as motor oil and antifreeze.

• Examine the chemicals you use on your lawn and look for safe alternatives.

• Clear grass clippings, leaves, and debris from catch basins and drainage ditches.

• Do not fertilize or apply pesticides near a creek or stream bed. Maintain a buffer strip of native grasses or flowers to slow runoff and filter pesticides and herbicides.

• Limit the use of de-icing materials in winter.

Greenscaping and Stormwater Pollution
Greener landscaping can help reduce stormwater pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers information that will help you make choices that are environmentally beneficial.

Stormwater and Flooding
Water from storms can potentially lead to flooding of properties and roadways if proactive steps aren’t taken to clear debris from drainage features. Residents and local businesses are encouraged to make sure nearby infrastructure designed to manage water runoff is kept free and clear of debris. If you see branches, leaves, construction materials, or any other material blocking access to stormwater drainage features on or near your property, please take a moment to clear these obstructions.

Trees are an important part of the environment that beautify our neighborhoods and communities, but trees planted too close to power lines can become a hazard and contribute to power outages.

With a little planning and proper maintenance, trees and power lines can safely co-exist. Find information from AES about what kind of trees to plant and where.

Green Energy Ohio
GEO is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally and economically sustainable energy policies and practices in Ohio. GEO promotes renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, biomass, and low-impact hydro by acting as a clearinghouse to inform Ohioans of sustainable energy.

Energy Facts for Kids
Check out these fun energy activities for children to help harness their natural enthusiasm and put it to good use -- saving energy and dollars at home.

Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission
MVRPC is a regional partner that identifies priorities, develops public policy, and implements collaborative strategies to improve the quality of life and economic vitality throughout the Miami Valley.

Montgomery County Environmental Services
Montgomery County Environmental Services offers free educational services for residents and businesses in Montgomery County. You can also explore a 3D virtual tour of the Environmental Learning Center and check out other fun activities, games, and videos.

Montgomery Soil and Water Conservation District
This organization connects the residents, businesses, governments, and agriculture of Montgomery County with education, best management practices, and technical leadership on water quality, water management, conservation, and wildlife habitat.

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Ohio EPA protects the environment and public health by ensuring compliance with environmental laws.

Regional Air Pollution Control Agency
This group protects citizens from the adverse impact of air pollution, enforces air pollution control regulations, and implements the state’s industrial permit system.

Solar Power Guide
Learn how solar power energy can be used to fuel everything from a cooking stove to the electricity in your house. Links to educational pages are also included within the website. This is a great beginner's guide to walk through with kids or students.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
U.S. EPA protects human health and the environment and provides information.