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Teaching Kids Green Boating

Administrator — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 07:00:30 +0000

If the environment is important to you, chances are you’ve already thought about what state it will be in for the next generation. But have you also considered how the next generation will care for it? Conservation and respect for plants and wildlife are values that need to be passed on to children if our own efforts are going to have a long-term impact. Here are a few ways to teach kids about green boating and environmental consciousness.

Tips for Teaching Kids about Green Boating

1. Talk trash. When your family hits the water, make sure everyone knows about your no-littering policy. But don’t stop there; take the time to talk about why keeping your trash out of the water is important. Many people have the misconception that only items that won’t naturally decompose need to be disposed of properly, but when you’re on the water it’s just as important that you don’t leave behind biodegradable materials that don’t belong in that ecosystem.

2. Get to know your neighbors. Take a field guide and binoculars out with you for the day and challenge your kids to identify different species of animals and plants both in the water and around it. A child who is more aware of the life that lives in the water is more likely to take steps to protect it.

3. Visit a new watering hole. An important part of green boating is preventing the spread of invasive species from one waterway to another. Take the boat out to different spots and get the kids involved in helping you with preparations, including giving the hull a good scrubbing! In addition to learning firsthand about how to prevent relocating species from one environment to another, seeing a variety of ecosystems and waterways helps children understand the concept of environmental diversity.

Want more information about sharing the Great Outdoors with kids? Check out one of our favorite Facebook pages, Babes in the Woods.

5 Summer Boating Safety Tips

Administrator — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 07:00:43 +0000

It’s officially warm enough that boaters all over the country can start enjoying time on the water again. That means making memories and having fun, but it also means it’s a good time to remember how to keep everyone safe on the water. Whether you’re spending an entire day on the boat or just going for a short ride, make sure you and everyone on the boat are practicing these summer boating safety guidelines.

Summer Boating Safety Tips

1. Make sure all children wear life jackets whenever they’re on the boat or near the water. Kids are fast and they can be overboard in the blink of an eye. Don’t count on being able to keep kids safe by “keeping an eye on them” at all times.

2. Make sure there is a life jacket on board for every adult. Never take on more riders than you have personal floatation devices to accommodate. At the beginning of the season, make sure each adult has a life jacket that fits properly. Replace any that no longer fit.

3. Don’t drink and drive a boat. For the same reasons you don’t get behind the wheel of a car after drinking alcohol, you should never operate a boat when you’ve been drinking.

4. Check your safety equipment regularly. Fire extinguishers, safety lines, anchors and other safety equipment should all be checked to make sure they’re in proper working condition.

5. Take a boating safety course. Consider taking a safety course and having other adults and older children in the family taking a course. This is the best way to learn how to avoid collisions with other boats, handle sudden changes in weather, and deal with any unexpected emergencies that could occur on the water. Your state DNR likely provides courses or will be able to direct you to an accredited organization that does.

Taking the time to be safe on the water ensures that everyone will be able to enjoy the summer and many summers to come. And of course, remember to practice green boating all year long, too!

Reminder: Practice Green Boating on Memorial Day Weekend

Administrator — Thu, 26 May 2011 14:51:02 +0000

For many of us, Memorial Day Weekend marks the beginning of our summer. The kids are out of the school, the temperature is a little warmer than it was a month ago, and you finally have the perfect excuse to get the boat in the water. We’re certain you were environmentally responsible over the last few weeks as you’ve prepared your boat for this weekend, but we just wanted to give you one more reminder to practice green boating and green living while you’re having fun out there!

3 Quick Tips for Green Boating on Memorial Day Weekend

1. Wear eco-friendly and non-toxic sunscreen!

The Environmental Working Group just recently released their annual sunscreen guide, which is always a great resource for helping you choose the safest forms of protection from UV rays. Once again, Badger sunscreen receives the organization’s highest rating for both effectiveness and safety. Wearing green sunscreen brands is an important part of protecting the water and marine life this summer.

2. Take ALL your trash to shore.

Most people already know that you shouldn’t throw water bottles or aluminum cans into the water, but remember it’s important not to leave anything behind. Recycle your fishing line and put your food scraps in the trash you’ll bring to shore. If it didn’t come from the water, it shouldn’t end up there when you’re done with it.

3. Be prepared to handle an accident.

There are many steps you can (and should) take to prevent a fuel spill in the water, but accidents can still happen. Your immediate response to a spill is the most important. Before pushing off from the dock this weekend, make sure you have an absorbent oil pad on board.

Now, get out there and have some fun!

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Practicing Green Fishing and Eating Sustainable Seafood

Administrator — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:35:54 +0000

It’s no surprise that fishing is a favorite past time for many avid boaters. One of the best reasons to get up early in the morning is to take the boat out and catch the night’s dinner. Gathering around the table with your family to share a meal that you caught yourself, after patiently waiting and enjoying the Great Outdoors for a few hours, is one of life’s simple pleasures.

Of course, not everyone who throws a line into the water brings home dinner. Fortunately, you can always stop by a local fish market on the way home.

But before you cast out or place your next seafood order, stop and think about what effect your fish dinner could be having on the environment and aquatic wildlife.

It’s difficult to imagine, but there is not a limitless supply of fish in the Earth’s oceans, seas, rivers and lakes. As technology has helped us become better fishermen, we’ve begun to take a large percentage of wildlife out of the water. In addition to overfishing, we can also damage the habitats with certain fishing techniques, including bottom trawling and dredging.

To practice more eco-friendly fishing, learn about the invasive or overpopulated species in the waterways in which you fish. Make sure you throw back anything else you reel in. It’s also a good idea to invest in green fishing tackle – which means 100% lead-free tackle – and recycle your fishing line.

In addition to being a more eco-friendly fishermen yourself, it’s also important to encourage green commercial fishing by only purchasing sustainable seafood. Remember that just because it’s on the menu or for sale in the market, doesn’t mean it’s sustainable. Many corporations and small fishing companies are still more concerned with making a profit than protecting our aquatic wildlife and habitats. It’s up to you to become a better informed consumer.

Here are a few pointers about which seafood to choose and which to avoid:

Best Choices for Sustainable Seafood

U.S. farmed abalone (known as awabi in sushi)
Albacore tuna from the U.S., Canadian Pacific, Hawaii or Atlantic
Alaska wild salmon
Farmed oysters and mussels
Farmed or wild striped bass
Dungeness crab (Blue crab is also a good alternative)
Mahi Mahi from the U.S.
Pacific or Alaskan halibut
Farmed tilapia

Avoid:

King crab imported from outside the U.S. (Alaskan king crab is a better alternative.)
Atlantic halibut
Chilean Seabass

To make the best decisions about whether the seafood you’re purchasing (and eating) was caught using sustainable fishing techniques, you need to know more about where the animal came from and how it was captured. If in doubt, ask.

For a complete list of sustainable seafoods and downloadable pocket guide to help you make eco-friendly purchasing decisions, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch web site. Visit your state’s conservation web site for detailed information on local regulations and restrictions.

Working together, we can enjoy and protect our waterways.

Why Should You Use Green Sunscreen?

Administrator — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:51:26 +0000

Whether you’re spending a day on the boat or staying on land, wearing sunscreen whenever you’re outdoors is a must. Wearing sunscreen regularly can help prevent skin cancer and keeps your skin looking younger for longer. But wait! Before you start to slather on the white stuff, find out more about using green sunscreen this year.

Why should you use green sunscreen?

Many of the chemicals used in traditional sunscreens are considered “potentially dangerous” for your health. In some cases, research is still being done to determine for certain if the ingredients in sunscreen are linked to cancer or other health problems.

Why take the risk with your health, or the health of your family? green sunscreens use minerals and physical filters to provide protection, and some even offer a broader range of UV protection than traditional formulas.

Another reason to look for green sunscreen is to protect the environment. Chemicals found in traditional sunscreens have been shown to trigger a viral infection in coral that bleaches and kills the coral community. It’s estimated that about 10% of the world’s coral reefs are threatened by the 4,000 to 6,000 metric tons of sunscreen that wash off swimmers into the oceans each year.

What if you’re not swimming in the ocean? Research has shown that chemicals used in sunscreens can build up in fish living in lakes and rivers, although it’s still unclear exactly how the fish are affected by the chemicals.

How do you know if your sunscreen is green?

Unfortunately, you can’t rely on manufacturers’ labels to tell you if a sunscreen is eco-friendly or safe for your body. Words like “natural” and “organic” aren’t heavily regulated within the sunscreen industry and can be very misleading. Your best option is to read the ingredients list.

Avoid:

oxybenzone
parabens (butylparaben, methylparaben)
vitamin A (usually listed as retinyl palmitate)

Look for:

zinc dioxide or titanium dioxide

The Environmental Working Group offers a full report on the best sunscreens that provide UVA and UVB protection with limited risk to your health. Some of our favorites from their recommendations include:

Badger SPF-30 (the special this month at GreenBoatStuff.com!)
Mexitan Biodegradable Sunscreen

Educating yourself about what makes a sunscreen potentially dangerous is the best way to make sure you’re staying healthy in the sun this year!

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Getting Your Boat Ready for the Water

Administrator — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 13:39:00 +0000

While some parts of the country actually had snow this week, it is officially spring. Hopefully that means boaters all over will soon be able to get back in the water. As you’re pulling your boat out of winter storage and getting ready for your first splash of the season, keep these green boating tips in mind.

Green Boating Tips to Get Ready for Spring

Schedule a tune-up with a mechanic you trust and with whom you feel comfortable discussing green maintenance practices. A tune-up is good for finding (and fixing) any leaks or dysfunctional parts.
Scrape off all debris from the boat, trailer tires, propeller, and anchors before entering water for the first time.
Stock up on chemical-free sunscreen. Most sunscreens have an expiration date and should be replaced each year for maximum protection.
Be prepared for spills and accidents by having absorbing bilge pads and oil pads on board.
Switch to a green lubricant to prevent corrosion without damaging the environment.
Know where you can safely pump out and discard mechanical or electrical parts, cleaning agents, paints, and hazardous wastes. Contact a local green marina or state conservation office to locate the facilities nearest you.

After a long winter, many boaters are eager to finally get outside and enjoy the sun and water again. Just a few steps of precaution beforehand can ensure you have a great – and green – boating season!

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5 Facebook Pages for Boaters

Administrator — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 05:57:20 +0000

Last week we shared some of our favorite Facebook pages for green companies and organizations. This week we’re taking a closer look at our favorite pastime: boating! Be sure to make your way over to these pages and give them a thumbs up to show your support for boating.

5 Boating Pages on Facebook

1. Mario Vittone – Boating & Water Safety – Mario always has great tips and reminders for staying safe on the water.

2. Discover Boating – a great community of boaters and their Facebook page has a fun game to play.

3. BoatUS Foundation – advocates for boating safety and clean water, this is an organization with a mission we can get behind!

4. U.S. Coast Guard - yep, they have a Facebook page. A big “Like” to the men and women committed to keeping our waterways safe.

5. I Love Boating – so do we! This page is hosted by a boating business, but the page itself is just a community of boaters sharing photos, news, and random updates about boating.

Do you keep in touch with other boaters on Facebook? Have you found another social media network that’s better for your boating needs? We’d love to hear about it!

Of course, remember to go and “like” us on Facebook, too: GreenBoatStuff on Facebook.

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Once You Get to the Water

Administrator — Tue, 13 May 2008 01:41:46 +0000

Once You Get to the Water

Whether you moor your boat at a marina, keep it at your place on the water, or haul it to a boat ramp there are a few things to keep in mind before you head out on the water.

According to the great little book “Stuff: The Secret Lives of Everyday Things” By John Ryan and Alan During, over half of the cars on the road today are leaking something toxic at any one time. Whether it is oil or anti-freeze, nothing that drips from your car belongs in the water. With this in mind, park your rig as far from the water as you can when you get there. Sure this may be a hassle, but remember, you already decided to leave some excess stuff at home, and your package reducing exercise at the store means your load is a lot lighter than you are used to carrying. Another way to think about this idea is that the farther you park from the water the less stuff you will want to carry. Remember, the greener you get, the less stuff you want and need anyway.
The point here, of course, is that the farther your car is from the water, the less likely it is that you will be responsible for toxic car gunk making its way to the water. Sure, your gunk will still hit the parking lot, but remember this blog is about green boating, not green driving. Don’t get me wrong here, I’m not condoning dirty cars, it is just a lot easier to clean up a puddle of oil on an asphalt driveway than it is to reclaim the same oil once it hits the water.
This same principle applies to those folks who trailer their boat to the water. It is much easier, cheaper, and better for Mother Earth if you fill your fuel tanks with your boat on it’s trailer at the local gas station than it is to fuel up on the water. But you already knew that anyway.
More on fuelling those big boats that rarely leave the water a little later.
Besides the mess your car or truck leaves behind, think about the impact you have just arriving at the water. In my youth I used to love to park on the beach as close as I dared to the surf and hang out with the tunes and the sunshine blaring. Little did I know that the few thousand pounds of steel I was sitting in was crushing the fragile ecosystem beneath me. All those clams and critters that call the beach their home have a little trouble dealing with the compaction our automobiles cause. Whether these little guys get crunched right away or come home to an impenetrable wall of sand, the damage is done. Bottom line, nothing heavier than you belongs on the beach.
As you head down to the boat just one last thing. Watch where you walk. If you are in a marina or a boat ramp, your path is probably set up for you. If, however, your route to the water is a path through the woods or something similar, tread lightly. Keep an eye on the kids and your dog on a leash. I’m not trying to go too overboard here, (no pun intended) but the little landslide Rover causes as he slides down the sand hill above the beach maybe funny at first, but if you think it through it is bad news on several levels.
Not only does such needless erosion weaken the fragile hold most plants and grasses have at the beach, but it also adds unnecessary silt to the water itself. Silt can lead to higher water temperatures near shore as the water shallows and the sun does its job. Ever notice how warm those first few inches of water are on a calm day at the beach? While our feet appreciate the warm water, most life forms do not. Silt can causes problems for aquatic plants, burying their route structures deeper than they like or prohibiting new growth from breaking through at all. And again, think of the critters. A fresh glop of silt is not what Nature has in mind for the successful development of fish eggs. Tread lightly once you’re near the water, Mother Nature will be grateful.

Heading Out On The Water – After You Leave The Grocery Store

Administrator — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:43:33 +0000

Heading Out On The Water – After You Leave The Grocery Store

AFTER YOU LEAVE THE STORE

Like most boaters who are heading out for the day or longer, now that you are stocked with groceries it is time to head to the boat. Once you reach the marina the scramble begins to get all your stuff onboard and get out on the water as soon as possible. Before you weigh yourself down with all your stuff, however, take a minute to make your life easier and the earth a little happier.

Instead of wandering down the dock with you arms full, take a moment in the grocery store parking lot to reduce the size of your load. If you were not quite ready to proclaim your greenness to the world by taking your own shopping bags into the store, whip them out now in the parking lot while no one is looking. Carefully remove every bit of excess packaging you can find on the stuff you just bought and tuck it away. This too takes a little practice, but before you know it you will find yourself walking the docks with a lighter burden than you are used to.

A family of four can count on filling one grocery sack with wrappers and packaging after stocking up at the store for a weekend on the boat. Those pop tarts you bought are wrapped and stuck in a cardboard box. Why not get rid of the box now? You will have to get rid of it later anyway, so why carry it down to the boat, deal with it and carry it back off the boat with your other trash. Take those apples out of their plastic sack, set free the eight packs of Hershey bars, liberate the mustard and mayo from all that plastic wrap.

The idea here is to look at each item you need to get to your boat and get rid of any unnecessary packaging now. Instead of filling your boat’s garbage can with a bunch of material that might find its’ way overboard, lose it now. You just paid the grocery store plenty for these things, now let them get rid of your garbage too. They won’t mind.

Not only will this practice make your ramble down the docks a little easier, it will also keep a bunch of potential pollution a long way from the water. I always see people doing this at the marina, unloading the groceries and tossing their garbage in the big green dumpster. But take a look at that dumpster late Sunday afternoon and chances are it is overflowing. A nice big breeze is all it takes to launch those cellophane wrappers that you could have left at Wal-Mart.

Stash your trash before you get to the water, it’s easy and you’ll feel better on a lot of levels. Do this a few times and you will also begin to appreciate how much crap you have been transporting unnecessarily all these years. You will also get to enjoy a moment of clarity as you pass your neighbor a few slips down who has thirteen plastic sacks of groceries sitting on the dock.

Like a lot of ideas we will explore in this blog, this one is not a world shaker, but do enough little things and before you know it, attitudes and more importantly, impacts will begin to change.