Are you ready to set sail?
But wait a minute…have you taken any steps to reduce your environmental impact on marine life?
Boating enthusiasts know how joyful it can be to take a leisurely ride. However, the pleasure of boating comes with the responsibility of protecting the environment.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to boat green and keep the water blue. To understand why green boating is so important, you need to know the impact this activity has on the aquatic environment.
Here are a few stats on pollution caused by sailing:
- Grey and Sewage Water Dumping: It pollutes the food sources
- Oil and Fuel Spillages: ½ liter of oil produces a slippery surface that is 1 acre in size
- Garbage Pollution: From plastic bottles to wrappers and other things dumped overboard
- Engine Gas Emissions: Old boats discharge around 25% of fuel in the water directly
- Chemical Pollution from Paint and Cleaning Products: Breed a poisonous sea life and harmful algae blooms
Now that you know how you and your boat can harm the water, let’s look at the tips you can try to adopt greener habits:
Spill-Proof Fueling
Careless boaters pollute the aquatic environment when they overfill the tank. So, install an overflow attachment and make sure the fuel level is below the mark. Keep fuel cans on the boat so you don’t find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere. Lastly, have an absorbent bib to prevent the spills from making their way into the water.
Collect Blackwater
Blackwater is the boat’s sewage discharge, containing pollutants, including metals, nutrients, pathogens, and toxins. Dumping this sewage discharge into the water is illegal since it affects aquatic life and human health. You can get a holding tank that will collect the sewage water until you dump it safely.
Waste Reduction
Debris not only destroys important habitats but also harms wildlife. It damages your boat and slowly corrodes all areas constantly touching the water. The best way to reduce waste is not to bring plastic onboard.
Avoid Using Toxic Cleaning Products
Using DIY, homemade solutions to clean your boat is the best way to reduce your water-print. There are plenty of commercial cleaners available online made from organic ingredients and do not harm aquatic life.
Avoid Painting the Boat’s Bottom
Copper-based paint is commonly used to paint the hull and the bottom of the boat. With time, this paint slowly chips away and mixes with the water. So, look for eco-friendly alternatives that won’t dissolve in the water.
And this is how you ensure that your hobby isn’t harming the environment! After docking your boat, make sure there are no leaks. Give the engine a wipe to double-check for any fuel spills.
Visit the EZ Dock website for floating docks and other docking solutions. They also offer products, including do-it-yourself docks, covered floating docks, industrial floating docks, kayak launches, etc. For a quote and more information, call (800) 654-8168.
