What do we know and what can we do to help?

As revealed through my interview of my roommate, Abby, many Boston residents are unaware of the severity of the polluted Boston Harbor or what they can do to assist with its cleanup.  First and foremost, Bostonians must understand what is actually going on with the pollution and its cleanup.  Some informational knowledge that most Boston residents have about this issue include the declining animal species that once filled the harbor, as well as the concern that our drinking water may be polluted.  Many residents living near the South shore of the city are also aware of the unclean beaches surrounding their areas.

The following is some procedural knowledge that Bostonians can use to help with the cleanup that our harbor really needs:

• Conserve water: Turn the sink faucet OFF while you are brushing your teeth.
• Watch what goes down the drain and make sure it's safe.
• Don't Litter! Pick up your trash so it doesn't end up in the Harbor.
• When you walk your dog, be sure to clean up after it.
• Use environmentally friendly cleaners when washing your car.
• Minimize your use of fertilizers and pesticides as the excess can wash into water systems.
• Take shorter showers - gallons of water are wasted each minute.
• Organize a beach cleanup with your friends.
• Recreational boaters, please use pump-out facilities.
• Visit Boston Harbor and the Boston Harbor Islands!

(http://tbha.org/resources_makedifference.htm)


Anyone interested in what they can do to help cleanup the harbor should first read and understand the pollution problems.  Second, starting with these minor changes to our everyday lives listed above, begin to do their part in cleaning up the harbor.