Marine debris probably isn’t on your mind in your day-to-day life. If you live anywhere near the coast, maybe it should be. Most of the time, we think of marine debris as being trash left on the beach by tourists or plastic bags pitched in the water by an inconsiderate boater. In reality, the offense can happen miles inland.
Most runoff from streets and parking lots drains into ditches that flow into streams. The streams flow to the rivers and bays and from there to the Gulf of Mexico. A cigarette butt tossed on the street in Foley could easily make its way to the Gulf. Of course, this isn’t just a problem in Coastal Alabama. The same scenario is happening across the nation polluting waterways, bays and oceans.
There are many adverse consequences of marine debris including:
- Wildlife illness, injury and death
- Water vessel damage
- Boating hazards
- Damage to natural habitat
There are also many ways YOU can make a difference. Something as simple as properly disposing of your plastic grocery bag could save a sea turtle’s life. Other ways to take action include:
- Use your own reusable cups and water bottles to keep disposable containers out of the water.
- Don’t toss your cigarette butts. Use ashtrays or other proper containers to dispose of them.
- Stash your trash. Take an extra container to the beach for trash and be sure to bring out everything you pack in.
- Reusable bags reduce the amount of paper and plastic bags. They are great for boating and beach trips.
- Try to avoid excess packaging on products to reduce the chance of potential marine debris.
Help keep our waterways, bays and estuaries clean and healthy by properly disposing of your trash and leaving only footprints as you go.