Summer is here and that reminds me off all the pollution we create out in our bays, rivers, and lakes. Here are some things we all can do to ensure cleaner waters, and a better future, for us, and for the generations to come.
Be Careful When Changing Oil and Keep the Bilge Clean
Most of us choose to be handy and do it ourselves, so make every effort to capture old engine oil, gear oil, hydraulic fluid and more. Contact your municipality to find out how and where to dispose of these fluids properly. I find a five-gallon pail with a lid makes a good ” capture and storage” vessel prior to disposal. A funnel and old jugs works as well.
ConsiderEarth-Friendly Products
Many marine products makers offer water-based, or otherwise less-toxic, mixtures. Weber Marine uses mostly Earth-Friendly Products on our boats. Many of these products are no longer “new” and their effectiveness has now long been proven by the experience of others. Examples include bottom paints, soaps and cleaners. These environmentally-freindly products may not be right for every situation, but should be considered and evaluated for your use.
Don’t Discard Fishing Line Every angler gets a “bird’s nest” in his reel from time to time. But discarded mono filament kills marine life and biodegrades slower than uranium. ( Not to mention that it can ruin a gear case by cutting the seals when it gets wrapped around a prop and shaft.) Make sure to collect old or tangled line, and bring it ashore for disposal.
