How to Help End Water Pollution

Even if the closest waterway is hundreds of miles from home, you can take steps to reduce water pollution in rivers, lakes and oceans. By living responsibly and making environmentally sound consumer choices, you can do your part to protect our natural water resources and benefit marine life.

Things You'll Need

• Cloth rags
• Biodegradable paper products

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Instructions

• 1

  Use environmentally friendly cleaners and garden products. Even when used properly, caustic cleaners can make their way into groundwater supplies. The best option is to make homemade cleaners with pantry staples such as vinegar and baking soda.

• 2

  Reduce the amount of trash you produce. Forgo disposable paper products such as paper towels for reusable cloth rags. The chemicals used to produce paper products contribute to water pollution.

• 3

  Keep pollution out of storm drains. The paint or cleaners you dump in the storm drain today can reach the river tomorrow and the ocean next week.

• 4

  Volunteer at a local waterway cleanup day. The Ocean Conservancy sponsors an annual International Coastal Cleanup event. You can also take a bag with you to collect trash on your next water-oriented outing.

• 5

  Take alternative forms of transportation. You don't have to give up your automobile entirely, but taking public transportation or a bike one day a week reduces fuel byproducts that make their way to waterways via runoff.

• 6

  Cut six-pack rings before discarding. This simple step reduces the risk of marine life strangling in the rings.

• 7

  Practice environmentally safe boating practices. Secure items that might blow overboard. Use a funnel to fill boats to prevent fuel runoff. Substitute biodegradable paper products for plastic bags and foam cups.