20 WAYS TO CLEANER OCEANS & BEACHES
GET YOUR MIND OUT OF THE GUTTER
Sweep your driveways and sidewalks. Put trash in the can instead of the gutter. Use your lawn clippings to fertilize your lawn.
PULL YOUR OWN WEEDS
The less herbicides and pesticides you spray, the less you will swim in on the weekend.
PLANT DON’T PAVE
Let the runoff water soak into the ground. Landscaping looks better and creates oxygen.
SCOOP THE POOP
Unless you like to swim in animal poop, make sure you and your neighbor pick up the droppings.
REPORT FULL CATCH BASINS
The Department of Public Works should clean a full storm sewer.
FIX YOUR CAR LEAKS
More oil enters the beach from urban runoff than from tanker spills. If your car drips, the oil will find its way to the ocean.
DON’T BE A DRIP
Low-flow shower heads, drip irrigation and low-flow toilets conserve water. Repair any leaks.
MINIMIZE WATER LOSS
Water lawns in the mornings or evenings. Water deeply and less often for happier plants.
USE NON-TOXICS
Vinegar or baking soda clean very well. Buy eco-sensitive products now available on the market.
RECYCLE ONCE IS NOT ENOUGH
Recycle reusable materials. Call 1-800-RECYCLE for drop off location.
BE AWARE OF STORM DRAINS
The trash and toxins that are dumped on the street run straight to the beaches. If we reduce the amount of slime that goes into our storm drains, our coastal waters will be protected.
QUIT USING STYROFOAM
The coffee generation brings its own mugs. Let the shop owners who use styrofoam know you disapprove.
PEOPLE CAUSE POLLUTION, PEOPLE CAN STOP IT
Next time you see some trash, pick it up.
JOIN A LOCAL ACTION GROUP, GET INVOLVED
If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. Check the facts and vote. One more voice does make a difference.
COVER YOUR TRAILS
Take household hazardous materials and containers to a local collection program for disposal.
CONSIDER, CONTROL, CONSERVE
Recycle reusable materials. Throw litter into trash cans and keep cans tightly covered to prevent foraging by animals.
DON’T WATER THE DRIVEWAY
It won’t grow. All that water washes to the beach.
TALK AROUND TOWN
Because most people don’t realize they are contributing to non-point source pollution, spread the word and get your neighbors and co-workers involved.
HOLD ONTO YOUR BUTTS
The beach is not your ashtray.
(Above information was provided by Surfrider Foundation)
