Composting

Compost is a mixture of ingredients used to improve the quality of soil by providing important nutrients. You can compost at home using decomposing plant and food waste, along with other organic materials. Compost can act as a fertilizer for your garden, improving your yield! The EPA has an excellent page about the benefits of composting and how to do it at home. Frederick County also offers free composting classes in the spring.

Invasive vs. Native Species

Invasive plant species are non-native plants that spread quickly due to a lack of natural predators and cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. Many invasive species are usually planted by well-intentioned people who are simply not aware of the problem. The Department of Natural Resources has a webpage detailing which invasive species are commonly planted in Maryland. 

The Chesapeake Bay Native Plant Center has a database of plants that you can search by region, plant type, sun exposure, soil texture, and soil moisture to find the perfect native plants for you!

Energy Saving

Saving energy not only saves you money, but it reduces your carbon footprint! For more energy saving tips, check out the Department of Energy's Energy Saver Guide. There are also some opportunities locally to save energy and money below:

FREE Energy Saving Kit

All Potomac Edison Customers are Eligible for a FREE Energy Efficiency Kit, including: 

• LED lightbulbs
• LED night-lights
• Furnace filter whistle
• Advanced powerstrip
• Other valuable components

Community Solar Program

The Maryland Public Service Commission has a Community Solar Program, aiming to provide renewable energy to low and middle income customers. To learn more about community solar and its benefits to the environment and your wallet, visit their website. To apply for the program, use this application.

Maryland Green Registry

This program offers tips and resources to help businesses and other organizations set and meet their own goals on the path to sustainability. Collectively, Maryland Green Registry members have reported saving over $76 million annually through the proven, practical measures they have shared in their online member profiles.