Seven Things Sailors Can Do to Help the Environment

Everyone should consider the place we live in as something we should all work to safeguard and maintain clean — In the San Diego club for sailing-a sailor's job is to keep a close eye on the oceans and waterways in particular. It is our responsibility to be responsible and not leave it in a worse state than we found it. And, if we're able, it wouldn't hurt if we tried to tidy up a little while we're out there. Here are seven things to consider in order to preserve our waters clean and attractive.

1. Consider environmentally friendly bottom paint

Many marinas across the country have been investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency because of the cleanliness of their water. Because of their toxicity, they recommend that boaters use non-copper-based bottom paints. There are debates on both sides, but for those who drag their boat out every season, looking into a more environmentally friendly bottom paint is a good idea. If you dive and clean the bottom yourself, make sure you know which pads to use so you don't end up with a copper bloom that the fish will choke on. This is most likely a problem that will be rectified in the future as a result of technical advancements, but why not avoid copper paint for the time being?

2. Dump holding tanks at a pump-out

While human excrement isn't as harmful to the environment as oil or gasoline, it still needs to be properly disposed of, especially in harbors and similar areas. In some regions, it is permissible to dump holding tanks a set distance offshore, but the pump-out is the preferred method. Also, be sure that the chemicals used in the holding tanks are environmentally friendly.

3. Pick up floating balloons (practice MOB)

Plastic floating balloons can be seen in abundance in many parts of the world. They mostly come from larger party boats that host celebrations, and the balloons invariably break free, take to the sky, and then crash into the ocean. Sure, Marvin had a wonderful birthday, but the ocean's residents shouldn't have to bear the brunt of the celebration. We think cleaning up these balloons when they're spotted is a terrific way to clean up the water and perform Man Overboard at the same time. Grab a net the next time you go out, and tell the crew that if they spot one, it's time for MOB exercise.

4. Get in the habit of using reusable water bottles.

These days, an increasing number of individuals carry their own reusable water bottles, and sailors should surely adopt this practice. We've all seen an empty plastic water bottle jump into the ocean and start a new life as a never-ending toxin that will cause devastation everywhere it goes. Get yourself a refreshing water bottle and encourage your teammates to do the same.

5. Flying Plastic!

Try to pay greater attention to what's going on in the cockpit. On a day sail, entertaining frequently entails juggling snack bags, lunch containers, drinks, and assorted wrappers. How many times have you seen a plastic bag fly off like a parachute when the last sandwich is unloaded on a 12-knot day? There's a touch of shame, and life goes on, but these things don't go away, and they're causing serious problems in the ocean ecology. To avoid the "parachute effect," try to use reusable bags and be extra cautious when unpacking. It's a minor hiccup for us, but it's a problem that will outlast us in its new home.