A community garden is a single piece of land gardened collectively by a group of people. They provide fresh produce and plants as well as satisfying labor, exercise, neighborhood improvement, sense of community and connection to the environment.

Household hazardous wastes are materials used in the home that can cause injury or are harmful if disposed of improperly. Never dump these items into a storm drain, open waterway or ditch. Learn how to dispose of such items properly - there are many free drop-off locations.

Choose native plants, spot treat problem areas, or better yet, consider less toxic alternatives such as beneficial insects. Use the mulching feature on your lawn mower instead of bagging the clippings, or better yet, create your own compost from your yard waste. Learn more about proper yard waste disposal.

Waste must be properly prepared and placed for collection. Leaves swept into the curb will not be collected in Columbus. Dumping yard waste into storm drains or waterways adds excess nutrients to the water, can clog drains & contribute to flooding. Better yet, compost & mulch yard waste.

Simple steps can prevent many common pollutants from washing off your driveway into the curb and down storm drains that lead (untreated) into rivers.

Pave less and landscape more, or pave with pervious surfaces. Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater; plant a rain garden, trees & shrubs. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation and don't over-water. Aim sprinklers away from paved surfaces - they don't need watered. 

Water leaks and inefficient usage can be costly. A high water bill can signal a problem such as a leak, or be the result of seasonal, outdoor water usage. More than 50 percent of water used on lawns and gardens is wasted. Check our resources to learn more.

Learn how to save energy year round. Plus, link to a rebate offer for a new programmable thermostat or low flow shower head.

Do not pour cooking oils & grease down the drain after preparing meals. Fats, oils & grease (FOG) can clog sewers, resulting in basement backups and costly repairs.

Conservation practices provide savings for your wallet while protecting the environment.

Efficiency Smart™ offers technical assistance & financial incentives for commercial power customers to reduce the cost of making energy-efficient improvements to their businesses.

If you are interested in protecting our natural resources, get involved in our public education programs. You, your community or school group can participate in stream-bank litter cleanups, invasive plant removal & many other activities that promote awareness & appreciation of our natural waterways.

Columbus residents who become GreenSpot members are invited to buy a discounted rain barrel for only $55.00, while supplies last (limit 1 per household).

Attend a workshop or complete an online training to qualify for this program. Learn more...