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Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway

All Practically Green: 2,469 or so people have DONE this action so far.

All Practically Green: 194 or so people have ADDED this to their action plan so far.

Why is "Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway" green?

A broom can clean a driveway or sidewalk just as well as a hose—and without water. How much water gets used depends on the type of hose being used—it’s size and length—plus supply pressure. Some say the average garden hose uses about 6 to 15 gallons per minute, others put that number as high as 30. Whatever your hose’s flow rate is, if it takes 10 to 20 minutes to clean off your driveway or sidewalk, that’s hundreds of gallons of water every time you clean.

By using a broom, you’ll also reduce a major source of water pollution. The water you spray on your driveway combines with chemicals like oil or antifreeze leaked from cars and flows into sewers. Most of these chemicals go untreated directly into bodies of water and can kill aquatic life including fish in streams.

Using less water on your driveway allows more to stay in the ground or in a reservoir, which in turn helps maintain a natural H20 balance and saves some for future use. There are many parts of the country that do not have enough water to support the current population and levels of water usage. Even if you live in a place with ample rain, there may be a drought or even water restrictions. At least 36 states expect shortages in the next five years.

How to: Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway

Avoid the temptation of the hose and nozzle. Grab a broom instead. Bonus: you’ll get some exercise.

  • Harper Brush 18" Outdoor Push Broom
    • (0 Ratings)

    Made from natural palmyra fibers, this broom is ideal for outdoor use. It's tough enough to handle heavy debris such as gravel or glass, and works equally well in both wet and dry conditions so you can sweep rain or shine.

  • Weiler 16" Street Broom
    • (0 Ratings)

    A rugged brush made of the thick fibers of palmyra leaves fitted into a hardwood block. The stiff palmyra fibers are perfect for sweeping rough surfaces. Be sure to pair this brush with one of Weiler's new bamboo handles and enjoy a cleaner, greener driveway.

  • Rubbermaid Corn Broom
    • (0 Ratings)

    This heavy-duty natural corn broom is great for removing fine dirt, leaves and gravel from your driveway and most other kinds of surfaces.

  • Recycled Plastic Household Broom
    • (0 Ratings)

    Not intended for outdoor use, this modern take on the classic household broom features bristles made from 100 percent recycled plastic and a solid wood handle. These sturdy bristles could likely be used to keep sidewalks and porches debris-free.