We all know by now the importance of conserving our natural resources. And probably most of us know we can help do that by turning off the water when we brush our teeth, or by only washing a full load of clothes, not just one or two pieces at a time. But here's some things you can do you may never have thought of:

OIL RECYCLING

It is estimated that close to 50 percent of all car owners change their own oil. Unfortunately, a substantial amount of this oil is discarded in landfills, dumped into sewers, or otherwise disposed of improperly. Oil pollution can be extremely detrimental to aquatic ecosystems. Fish can be smothered by oil coating their gills or can be killed indirectly by reduced resistance to infection. Oil can stunt or kill marsh vegetation or submerged grasses. It doesn't take a large quantity of oil to cause serious damage. One quart of oil is all it takes to contaminate up to two million (yes MILLION) gallons of drinking water. The four quarts of oil it takes to fill your car's engine can form an oil slick nearly eight acres in size. So please...dispose of oil by taking it to a collection center. For a location near you, call 1-800-552-3831, or write to: VA Division of Energy 2201 W. Broad St. Richmond, VA 23220.

WATER TIPS (Indoors)

Never pour water down the drain when there might be another use for it such as watering a plant or garden, filling your pets water bowl, or for cleaning around your home.

Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water and use this to water plants. The same technique can be used when washing dishes or vegetables in the sink.

Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Don't let the tap run while you are waiting for cool water to flow.

WATER TIPS (Outdoors)

Water your lawn every third day. Always water during the cool time of the day to minimize evaporation. Early morning is best, and the peak water consumption hours (4pm-9pm) should be avoided.

Minimize grass areas in your yard, because less grass means less water demand. Replace it with low-water use landscaping.

When mowing, raise the blade on your lawn mower to at least three inches high, or to its highest level. Closely cut grass makes the roots work harder, requiring more water.

For more suggestions on water conservation, log onto www.waterinfo.org

BACKYARD TIPS

How about a little backyard conservation advice! If you hate mosquitoes (and who doesn't---except other mosquitoes?) and you don't like the idea of putting bug sprays on your body, here's a great idea. Invite bats to the neighborhood! Don't be afraid, they really do not fly into your hair. They are nocturnal, so you probably won't even see much of them. Bats eat tons of mosquitoes, so they're great to have around. There are many ways to attract wildlife to your backyard. By planting certain types of trees & shrubs, putting in nesting boxes, feeders, and watering sites you can receive a certificate from the National Wildlife Federation designating your backyard as a Wildlife Habitat. Visit www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov. to find out more about this and the how to's of building a bat house.

While we're in the backyard, let's talk COMPOSTING. Did you know that composting turns household wastes into valuable fertilizer and soil organic matter? It can be used for all your planting needs and it also improves soil structure, which contributes to good aeration and moisture-holding capacity.

Here's an important question for you: When do all the recycling tips in the world make no sense? Answer: When you don't bother to buy recycled products. Read labels and buy things that have been made with recycled material. Also, shop with merchants who offer environmentally friendly products and services. Tell them why you shop with them, and spread the news to friends and family. Also, reuse your shopping bags or invest in re-useable totes. When you just have one or two items, "say no bag, thanks." Stay away from "disposable" as much as possible. Remember, disposable products don't just disintegrate into the ethers; they end up going somewhere where they become an extravagant waste of the world's resources!

LIST OF ACCEPTABLE RECYCLABES

Acceptable items:

Newspaper

Telephone books

Aluminum cans, pie plates and foil

Clear, brown, and green glass

#1 and #2 plastic bottles

Steel food cans

Household batteries

For more information, call the Recycling Department of SPSA at (757) 548-2256 or log onto www.spsa.com

Preparation Tips:

Please remove caps and lids (these are not recyclable)

Crush plastic bottles and aluminum cans

Break down cardboard boxes

Wash out containers

Hopefully, you've gotten some new ideas here and from the sites listed. Please re-visit from time to time and as we come up with new ideas we'll pass them on to you!