How to Boat Green
Prevent oily discharges from the bilge., Spill-proof your oil changes by using an oil change pump to transfer oil to a spill-proof container., When fueling, prevent fuel spills by filling fuel tanks slowly and catching drips and spills with...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Prevent oily discharges from the bilge.
Keep your engine well tuned to prevent fuel and oil leaks.
Place an oil absorbent pad in your bilge and under your engine where drips may occur.
Check the pads often; don’t let them clog the bilge pump, and dispose of them as hazardous waste at a marina or local hazardous waste collection center. -
Step 2: Spill-proof your oil changes by using an oil change pump to transfer oil to a spill-proof container.
Wrap a plastic bag or absorbent pad around the oil filter to stop oil from spilling into the bilge. , Don’t "top off" or overflow your fuel tank.
Leave the tank ten percent empty to allow fuel to expand as it warms. , Never use soap to disperse fuel and oil spills.
It’s illegal and it increases harm to the environment. , If you must work on the water, minimize your impact by containing waste.
Use tarps and vacuum sanders to collect all drips and debris for proper disposal. , Use non-abrasive underwater hull cleaning techniques to prevent excessive paint discharge.
Remember, dry storage reduces the need for antifouling paints and saves money. , This includes paints, batteries, antifreeze, cleaning products, oil and oil filters. , Manage sewage wastes properly.
Never discharge sewage within 3 miles (4.8 km) of shore.
Use harbor pump-out stations and shore-side facilities.
If you don’t have an installed toilet, use a port-a-potty and empty it at a harbor dump station or bathroom. , Never throw cigarette butts, fishing line, or any other garbage into the ocean.
Recycle plastic, glass, metal, and paper at shore-side facilities. , Do dishes and showers on shore whenever possible. (Grey water is the soapy water used in boat maintenance.) , Wind is a freely renewable and sustainable resource. -
Step 3: When fueling
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Step 4: prevent fuel spills by filling fuel tanks slowly and catching drips and spills with absorbent pads or rags.
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Step 5: Do not add soap.
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Step 6: Save boat cleaning and maintenance projects for the boatyard whenever possible.
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Step 7: Reduce toxic discharges from bottom paints by using a less toxic
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Step 8: or nontoxic anti- fouling paint.
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Step 9: Dispose of hazardous waste at a hazardous waste collection facility or event.
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Step 10: Plan ahead.
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Step 11: Keep your trash on board.
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Step 12: Reduce grey water pollution and its impact on the marine environment by using a phosphate-free biodegradable soap.
Detailed Guide
Keep your engine well tuned to prevent fuel and oil leaks.
Place an oil absorbent pad in your bilge and under your engine where drips may occur.
Check the pads often; don’t let them clog the bilge pump, and dispose of them as hazardous waste at a marina or local hazardous waste collection center.
Wrap a plastic bag or absorbent pad around the oil filter to stop oil from spilling into the bilge. , Don’t "top off" or overflow your fuel tank.
Leave the tank ten percent empty to allow fuel to expand as it warms. , Never use soap to disperse fuel and oil spills.
It’s illegal and it increases harm to the environment. , If you must work on the water, minimize your impact by containing waste.
Use tarps and vacuum sanders to collect all drips and debris for proper disposal. , Use non-abrasive underwater hull cleaning techniques to prevent excessive paint discharge.
Remember, dry storage reduces the need for antifouling paints and saves money. , This includes paints, batteries, antifreeze, cleaning products, oil and oil filters. , Manage sewage wastes properly.
Never discharge sewage within 3 miles (4.8 km) of shore.
Use harbor pump-out stations and shore-side facilities.
If you don’t have an installed toilet, use a port-a-potty and empty it at a harbor dump station or bathroom. , Never throw cigarette butts, fishing line, or any other garbage into the ocean.
Recycle plastic, glass, metal, and paper at shore-side facilities. , Do dishes and showers on shore whenever possible. (Grey water is the soapy water used in boat maintenance.) , Wind is a freely renewable and sustainable resource.
About the Author
Olivia Shaw
Enthusiastic about teaching cooking techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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