Green Boating Methods from a Boaters Point of View
It’s ok to have fun and adventure outdoors but taking care of the environment should be everyone’s number one priority.
With all the sailing events taking place right now, experienced boater and fan of Adrenaline Sun, John Anderson sent us an article about green boating.
Green Boating tips with John Anderson
We all are caught up in the ‘going green’ phase and for all the right reasons! It promises us a better future, if we can survive the much hyped ‘end of the world’ 2012 apocalypse that is. On a much serious note, going green is actually good for all of us. It helps the environment and that helps us in return. Science is coming up with all kinds of new and innovative ways to make the situation a lot better.
Outdoor enthusiasts understand the concept better because they have been out there and know how beautiful it all is. As boaters we all have a responsibility to help protect the environment. Below are some ideas for green boating.
- Trash, food waste, cigarette butts and other wastes must not be thrown into the water. Stow the trash unless you reach the land. Recycle winter storage shrink wrap in local marinas and dealers.
- As a responsible boater you must always follow sanitation laws and regulations. Install a coast guard approved marine sanitation device on the boat and use it. Never discharge within 3 miles of shore.
- Dolphins and other mammals must not be harassed at all. Be watchful of the coral reefs and other vegetation, reduce your speed.
- You might want to tune up your engine, not only runs properly and runs efficiently; it also ensures fewer emissions into the air and water- less pollution. Keep an oil absorbent pad in your bilge an under the engine where drips can happen.
- Take care while refueling every time. Topping off of your tank may lead to gas spilling into the water. Leave it 10% empty to avoid overflow and also give it some room to expand.
- Installing solar panels on your boat is a good idea. These can help charge your batteries and run your electronics.
- Discarding fishing lines is dangerous for the marine birds and wildlife; it could even kill them as a result of entangling. It could also get caught in boat propellers and damage the boat part. Protect the environment – dispose the discarded fishing lines properly. Many tackle and bait shops have monofilament recycle bins. Enquire your local tackle shop to find out more about it.
- Before you take your boat out, make sure that the boat, engine, propeller is in a good operating condition. This has a two way benefit. Not only helps the boat to run properly but also helps to avoid wasting fuel and minimizes oils and other stuff leak into the water.
- Opt for eco friendly boat cleaning material to help protect the environment. There are non toxic based bio degradable boat soaps etc that have minimum impact on nature.
It is our responsibility as a boater to take care of the environment. Reducing cruising speed, fuel consumption, tuning the engine and taking shorter trips are some green boating ways. We sure enjoy the beautiful surrounding when we are out there for boating, and then why not try to do something in favor for the environment for a change?
Fan submission by John Anderson
Jamal Hall
Jamal Hall is the Chief Digital Media Officer of web development company, Island Evolved Inc. His many roles include being an action sports writer, photographer and correspondent for Island Evolved's subsidiary company Adrenaline Sun.
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