Test your knowledge about fuel-efficient driving

No-idle signs give good reminder
by Melanie Forster, Air Quality Program, Southwest Regional Office


Many of us know that unnecessary engine idling pollutes the air
and wastes fuel. But we all could use a friendly reminder, even Department of
Ecology employees whose job is to protect our environment. “No-Idle Zone” signs
have recently appeared in Ecology's parking areas. You may have seen

Preventing pollution pays big dividends; lets keep at it!

By K Seiler, Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction manager

I’m excited to announce this week is National Pollution Prevention Week and an opportunity to recognize Washington State success stories achieved by industry! I’m energized by these results, and the savings of more than $45 million reported by a subset of Washington businesses through our state Pollution Prevention Program since 2005.

Fix that Leak! - Youth drive home clean water point

by Justine Asohmbom, Shorelines & Stormwater Education Manager for Puget Sound, Northwest Regional Office



** NEW 2013 Workshops! for more information about FREE workshops see Don't Drip and Drive - Fix That Leak workshops (http://www.ecy.wa.gov/washington_waters/fixcarleaks.html) **


There is nothing more captivating than when young people help inspire and educate their peers. The

Winter road treatments have environmental considerations

By Jani Gilbert and Sandy Howard

Every winter the phones at Ecology light up with questions about de-icers and anti-icers. Are they safe? Do they pollute? Is one product better than another?

Good questions, since nationwide we dump millions of tons of de-icing and traction materials onto our roadways every year.

"There is no black and white answer," said Mike Hepp of Ecology’s Spokane office.

Free Auto Leaks Workshops: How to not be a drip (from your car, that is)

by Justine Asohmbom, Puget Sound educator


** NEW 2013 Workshops! for more information about FREE workshops see Don't Drip and Drive - Fix That Leak workshops (http://www.ecy.wa.gov/washington_waters/fixcarleaks.html) **

An oil leak in your car can be a frustrating thing, not to mention the fact that oil that drips onto driveways, parking lots and streets can find its way to our local creeks

Dreaming of a greener holiday season

by Margaret Hill, Administrative Services, LaceyThe end of the year can be hard on budgets and on the environment. What follows are some ideas on how to make the upcoming holidays a little greener and maybe even help you keep a little more "green" of your own.Keep giving gifts, but...Consider giving the gift of service such as cooking a meal, tuning up a friend’s bicycle, or watching the kids so

Bye, bye, borax

By Michael Bergman, Toxic Free Tips coordinator, Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction


Ecology is pulling a popular video from its YouTube site over concerns about borax. The Greener Cleaner video shows how you can make a “do-it-yourself,” multi-purpose cleaner.


That infomercial-style video has been part of Ecology’s effort to help get the word out about alternatives to harsher household