The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a list of cleaning products (as well as a variety of other products) that are considered “green,” meaning they won’t pollute the water supply. See epa. gov/greenerproducts. [1] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U. S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source Common household supplies like white vinegar and baking soda can be used for everything from washing windows to scrubbing bathroom tiles, and they’re completely non-toxic.
Paint Motor oil Cleaning solvents Ammonia Pool chemicals
You can also help by using cloth diapers, recycled toilet paper and biodegradable tampons, which reduces the number of items that end up in the landfill.
Take showers instead of baths, since baths require more water. Turn off your faucets when you aren’t using water, such as when you’re brushing your teeth. Don’t overwater your lawn. Make sure lawn sprinklers are turned off when it rains. Water your garden before the sun comes up or after it sets to reduce evaporation, which leads to water waste. [4] X Trustworthy Source National Resources Defence Council Multinational environmental advocacy group focused on grassroots activism and legislative action Go to source
Look into organic gardening practices to find creative ways to deal with garden pests. For example, many pests can be dealt with using a simple solution of dish soap and water. Planting native species can also help, since native species have developed a resistance to the pests and weeds in the area. Species native to other lands are more susceptible to disease as well.
Your compost should be contained in a bin or barrel to prevent the materials from being washed away. Some municipalities provide these for free or at low cost. Use a mulching mower instead of bagging grass clippings. Mulching mowers add a natural layer of compost to your lawn and you don’t have to deal with disposal of grass clippings. Dispose of yard waste and grass clippings properly. If you don’t compost or if you have yard waste that you can’t compost, contact your local waste management or environmental protection agency to determine how to dispose them.
In addition, don’t forget to dispose of motor oil properly instead of washing it down the drain. Make sure to get your tires inspected at an auto repair shop at least once a year. Tire shreds are a major pollutant in the world’s oceans because they often are washed into storm drains and end up in waterways. Keeping your tires cared for is a simple way to have a huge impact!|[7] X Expert Source Kathryn KelloggEnvironmentalist Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
For example, you could recommend that your office or school switch to eco-friendly cleaning supplies, and make suggestions as to which ones work well. You could also put up signs reminding people to conserve water in the bathroom and kitchen areas. This could include reminders never to leave a sink running longer than necessary and encouraging the men or boys to use urinals rather than toilet stalls.
If you can’t find a local group working to reduce water pollution in your area, you might be just the person to start one! Consider hosting a cleanup day. Set a date, publicize the event, and have a plan in place for collecting and disposing of the trash.
Learn about local and national laws against water pollution and join up with groups working to protect water in your area. [10] X Research source Voting for political candidates who strive to protect waterways is a great way to do your part to reduce pollution.
