Save the waterways by protecting them
Protecting the waterways and the wildlife within them isn’t an easy task, but it can be done. Using simple common sense you too can help protect wildlife and save the waterways everyday. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
1. Don’t use toxic products: This includes paints, stains and stick to water-based paints or oil-based paints instead of latex.
2. Never dump anything where it doesn’t belong: If you are throwing away hazardous products into your trash, sewer system or drains you are causing a threat to the waterways. Never dump paint, solvents, motor oil or any other product marked hazardous, this includes cooking oil and kitchen scraps down the kitchen sink as well. And never flush anything that doesn’t need to be flushed in the toilet such as feminine products and baby diapers. Dispose of properly by contacting the local waste facility in your area. And never ever flush medications.
3. Conserve the water you use: Conserving water is the most important tip. Install low-flow toilets and low-water shower heads. Fix dripping sinks and set your sprinklers on a timer.
4. Take care of your car: When your car has an oil leak that can run into the local drains and washing your car in a commercial car wash is the most environmental way to go. Washing in your own driveway may seem like the best way to go, but all of that water, dirt, oil and metal from your car goes straight to the drain which runs into the water ways.
5. Use less pesticides and chemicals: Using these on your lawn may help your grass but they are hurting the local waterways and fish populations. Even organic ones can harm fish and other wildlife, so reduce the amount your use or pull those weeds by hand.
*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: Picking up after your pet is not only being a responsible pet owner it is also environmentally responsible as well. The waste from your pet can run into drains which in turn can contaminate the water for local wildlife as well. And no one wants to step in doggie doo, so be responsible all the way around.
May 30th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
If you are going to get a low flow shower head and toilet you might as well replace your faucet aerators with low flow faucet aerators Typical faucet aerators can allow as much as 5 gallons per minute of water flow vs. low flow aerators that restrict water flow from 2.2 gallons as low as .5 gallons per minute without giving up water pressure. They only cost a few dollars and you can get them at any local hardware store.
May 31st, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Agreed. But, it may not be in people’s budget to do it all at once. I think one a month in replacing is a great way to start.