As we enjoy the stunning ocean and vibrant coral reefs that surround our islands, we must be mindful of our actions and the impact they have on our delicate ecosystem. Plastic pollution, climate change, and storm water runoff are a few of the major threats to our beloved waters. The good news is that there are many ways we can help to protect the ocean! Through adopting sustainable practices and learning how our actions affect the environment, we can mitigate some of the issues currently threatening our oceans and coral reefs.
Here are five ways you can help Protect Our Water:
- Practice responsible waste disposal. Always dispose of trash, plastics, and other debris in designated bins, preventing them from entering storm drains and ultimately reaching our oceans.
- Minimize single-use plastics. Single-use plastics are a major contributor to marine pollution. Choose reusable alternatives such as water bottles, utensils, and shopping bags to minimize plastic waste. Check out our Storm Water Hawaii website to learn more about single-use items to stop using today!
- Manage garden chemicals responsibly. Be mindful of the chemicals you use in your garden and lawn. Pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides can find their way into stormwater runoff, polluting our rivers and oceans. Opt for natural and organic gardening solutions to nurture your plants without compromising our waters. Find more gardening tips here!
- Harvest rainwater. Utilize rainwater harvesting systems to conserve water and minimize runoff. Collecting rainwater for gardening or household use not only reduces water waste but also helps prevent pollutants from reaching our oceans.
- Rain gardens. Building a rain garden can help protect your yard and make it beautiful. Rain gardens also help the environment by collecting storm water runoffand allowing it to soak into the ground instead of flowing into our storm drains.
- Participate in community cleanups. Get involved in local community cleanup events. These gatherings are an excellent opportunity to remove litter and debris from our streets and shorelines, preventing them from entering storm drains.
Our commitment to protecting Hawaii’s waters is paramount for the well-being of our oceans and the diverse forms of marine life that call it home. Together, we can ensure that the beauty of Hawaii’s waters remains a treasure that can be cherished for generations to come.