20 Ways to a Healthy Coastline

When it comes to staying healthy and fit we usually know what to do.. we cut down on fast food, say “no thank you” to seconds, or we go for a run, hit the gym, etc.. However, when it comes to keeping our coastlines and the ocean clean that’s another story. You might not leave trash on the beach after your surf session, but is that really enough? The Surfrider Foundation thinks you can do more and so do we! So you might be asking yourself what can I do about it? And more importantly how can I help?  Those are all good questions and we found a handy checklist on the Surfrider Foundation’s website that we think you’ll find very easy to follow. You’re probably already doing some of these things, but lets see if you can do all 20. Are you up for the challenge?

Provided by: SF Surfrider Foundation

Not everyone has the time or ability to get out to help with one of our programs or events. It is worth noting that often those doing the most to help with the state of our oceans and beaches are doing so on their own, in the way they live their everyday lives. Here are 20 simple ways to ensure you’re working towards cleaner and healthier oceans and coastlines every day:

1. Get your mind out of the gutter
Clean your driveways and sidewalks (with a broom, not the hose). Put trash in the can instead of the gutter. Use your lawn clippings to fertilize your lawn/garden.

2. Pull your own weeds
The less herbicides and pesticides you spray, the less you will swim in on the weekend. It all eventually runs down to the beach. If we reduce the amount of slime that goes into our storm drains, our coastal waters will be protected.

3. Plant, don’t pave
Let the run-off water soak into the ground. Landscaping is prettier and creates oxygen.

4. Don’t water the driveway
It won’t grow. And all that water washes to the beach.

5. Scoop the poop
Unless you like to swim in animal poop, make sure you and your neighbors pick up the droppings.

6. Report full catch basins
The Dept. of Public Works should clean a full storm sewer.

7. Fix your car leaks
More oil enters the beach from urban run-off than from tanker spills. If your car drips, the oil will find its way to the ocean.

SAVE WATER, SAVE MONEY and SAVE THE OCEAN

8. Don’t be a drip
Low flow shower heads, drip irrigation, and low flow toilets conserve water. Repair leaks.

9. Don’t be a prune
Don’t let your showers dry out your skin like a prune. Shorten your showers. Wash only full loads.

10. No trash in the toilet
String and hair are hord on sewage treatment plants. Remeber to throw them in the trash rather than in the toilet.

11. Water in the morning or evening
It minimizes evaporation, and it’s better for the plants.

12. Use nontoxic cleaners
Drain cleaners, oven cleaners, nail polish remover, paint thinner, etc. are chemical poisons. Vinegar and baking soda can clean very well.

13. Oil’s well that ends well
Recycle your used motor oil at a garage or recycling center. Don’t dump it down the storm drains, or in the trash.

14. Drop off your hazardous household waste at an authorized dump site
REMEMBER THE THREE R’s: REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE.

15. Reduce your waste
Buy jumbo-size packages. Shop for products with the least amount of packaging.

16. Recycle once is not enough
Buy recycled goods. Call 1-800-RECYCLE

17. B.Y.O.B.
Bring your own canvas or used paper bags to the store.

18. The new coffee generation brings their own mugs.
Help stamp out styrofoam. Take your ceramic mug to the coffee cart.

19. People cause pollution, people can stop it.
Educate others. Then, they too can protect our beaches.

20. Get organized
Join up and get involved in a local action group. Join the Surfrider Foundation. We have wasted enough, let’s not waste time.