Recreational boaters, as frequent travelers of our waterways, are responsible for doing what they can to keep these precious bodies of water clean for everyone to enjoy. If you’re looking for ways to make your boat more environmentally friendly, check out our tips below!
Choose Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
Keeping a boat clean is essential for its functionality and lifespan. Unfortunately, many of the detergents and other cleaning products regular boaters used contained toxic chemicals that proved harmful to the water and animal life. Today, we’re much smarter about our products, and many more options are available that will clean your boat without releasing chemicals into the environment.
Boaters can find a list of approved and environmentally safe marine cleaning products on Green Seal—a nonprofit organization that promotes environmentally responsible products. So, the next time you clean your boat, skip the harmful detergent and look for the eco-friendly green seal.
Keep the Bilge Clean
A boat’s bilge will collect water over time—that’s a given—but it’ll also likely collect toxic liquids. With the bilge collecting these toxic substances, boaters can unwittingly spread environmentally harmful ingredients all over the waterways.
All boaters should regularly inspect their bilge for excess water and for any signs of toxic chemicals that have leaked into the bilge—including oil or gas from the engine. If you spot toxic chemicals in the bilge, head to your nearest bilge pumping station and clean it out before heading onto the water.
Pro Tip: Placing an absorbent sponge or pad under the boat’s engine will help collect leaking or spilled oil before it can enter the bilge or exit the engine compartment.
Switch to a Lithium Marine Battery
One way to make your boat greener is to switch to a lithium marine battery. A lithium battery is a more eco-conscious alternative to standard lead-acid batteries because they last 5 or 10 times longer than conventional batteries—meaning fewer batteries in our landfills.
Plus, lithium batteries have a greater power storage capacity and are much lighter—and less weight on your boat, the less fuel you burn. Make sure that when you dispose of your old marine battery, you take the necessary steps to do so in an eco-conscious way.
As you can see, there are many ways to make your boat a green, eco-conscious machine! More environmentally friendly boats mean cleaner waterways, which every boater can enjoy.
As communities gather this Sunday, December 7th, to remember, we look back at a single morning that reshaped a nation, examine the causes and consequences of the attack, and reflect on how Hawai‘i and the world carried forward the work of healing and reconciliation.
A Morning That Changed the World
On a clear morning that remains etched into the pages of history, aircraft appeared over Pearl Harbor and the United States Pacific Fleet was struck in a surprise assault. In fewer than two hours, battleships burned, aircraft were destroyed on the ground, and more than 2,400 American service members and civilians lost their lives. The attack thrust the United States into the global conflict of World War II and set in motion a series of events that would transform both the Pacific and the world.
Trucks and SUVs aren’t designed just for driving on paved roads. With the surrounding natural beauty of the Carolinas, you want to explore more of what the states have to offer.
If you're new to horse riding, one aspect you might worry about is safety. This activity involves being on an elevated mount, moving at high speeds, and navigating unpredictable terrain, all things that could lead to injuries if you don't take precautions.
Hydroponic gardening is an innovative way to grow plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water instead. This method can lead to faster growth and higher yields, all from the comfort of your home. Before you dive in, it's important to understand the basics to ensure your gardening journey is a success. This guide will walk you through what you need to know before starting a hydroponic garden, helping you begin with confidence.
Laguna Beach, California, offers more than just its iconic coastline and vibrant arts scene. The city’s layout and local regulations make it an ideal location for scooter riders. This post will explore exactly what makes Laguna Beach scooter friendly, covering its scenic routes, traffic conditions, and convenient parking.