Backyard Action Hero Toyota Backyard Action Hero Guidebook August 2016 | Page 7

Nonpoint source pollution is much trickier.
Nonpoint source pollution means you cannot point to
the exact source of the pollution. Fertilizers, pet waste, salt,
car oils and pesticides are all examples of this kind of pollution
but there are many, many more! These pollutants are washed
off roads or carried over the ground by rain or melting snow.
The polluted rainwater or snow runoff ends up in streams,
lakes, rivers and oceans. Cities and farms tend to cause the
most common nonpoint source pollutants. It is very hard to
control this form of pollution, since it covers a wide area and
many different land uses.
Unfortunately, we all contribute to nonpoint source pollution.
Often we don’t even realize we are doing it! When we drive
in cars, spray pesticides on our plants, or litter, we cause
harmful chemicals and solid waste items to end up in our
waterways. Luckily, this means we can also help to make a
difference. Below are some ideas of simple things you can
do to make a difference in keeping our water cleaner and
our ecosystem healthier!

What YOU Can Do!
• Ride your bike to school instead of a car
• Plan a community or school cleanup day
• Pick up trash when you see it. Recycle it if you can!
• Pick up pet waste
• Plant grass, trees, and shrubs in open areas to help
prevent water runoff
• Ask your parents or school to use less pesticides
• Clean up spilled or leaking car fluids
• Tell a friend, family member, classmate or teacher
about water pollution
These are just a few examples of all the ways we can
reduce the amount of nonpoint source pollution in our
community. If you have a great idea, share it with your
friends and put it into action!

Did you know? The
Louisville Zoo has a green
roof on the HerpAquarium
building. Green roofs
are a great ecofriendly
addition to any structure
because they not only
help conserve energy, but
they decrease the water
runoff that pollutes our
water systems!