Patricia’s Bay Star Home in Newport News
Do you compost your leaves and grass clippings? Have you had your soil tested? Do you keep fats, oils and grease out of the kitchen drain? If so, you are already doing your part for a cleaner, healthier Chesapeake Bay. Take that commitment one step further by joining over 1,300 of your fellow Hampton Roads residents by becoming a Bay Star Home. Bay Star Home is a way to recognize you for doing the right things and helping you expand your environmental awareness by providing access to exclusive programs (offerings differ by locality).
We know our Bay Star Homes across the region are doing a lot of great things to protect our waterways. We love to share your stories, so today we invite you to meet Bay Star Homeowner Patricia VonOhlen of Newport News. Patricia told us a little bit about why she enlisted in the Bay Star Homes program and what she’s doing to make a difference in her community.
Why did you decide to become a Bay Star Home? I like the concept that homeowners can play a significant role in reducing pollution. Individual homeowners can make a sizable impact.
What is one easy tip that you have for others looking to “green up” their homes? Stop fretting about leaves on the lawn! Homeowners can either mulch and compost leaves or simply rake them into flower and shrub beds. The leaves will break down and provide nutrients for flowers, plants, trees and shrubs.
Since becoming a Bay Star Home, are there any behaviors/practices that you’ve changed at home? Or any new behaviors/practices that you’ve started? Reduced grass area by creating more shrub & flower beds which are planted with natives.
Have any of your friends/neighbors joined the Bay Star Homes program since learning about it from you? Yes, a neighbor also proudly displays her garden flag.
Have any of the Bay Star Homes tips helped you save time or money? Yes, I installed rained barrels and used to water thirsty flower pots all summer. During the entire summer (growing) season, I only needed NN Waterworks water on two different occasions. Frequent rains kept my rain barrels filled and ready for daily watering.
Do you have any advice for someone who is just starting out as a Bay Star Home? Remember that your choices are significant. You can help or harm….your choice.
Do you have any “green” projects planned for your home in the coming year? Planning to replace a small tree in my yard with a native tree that will support native insects & wildlife.
We want to hear from YOU! If you’d like to share your story on the Let’s Talk Green blog, please send us your name, address, phone number and photo of your home (with your Bay Star Homes garden flag), along with a short description of what you like most about being a Bay Star Homes participant. Deliver it to [email protected]. We’ll consider it for a future profile.