It is being increasingly reported that our oceans, rivers, and lakes are polluted around the world. Litter, plastics, and chemicals are some of the main culprits polluting our waters, but it is the habits of people and companies that are causing this. This kind of water pollution can contaminate our drinking water and also harm marine life and its habitat.

If you want to do your bit to reduce ocean pollution and other types of water pollution, then here are some simple changes you can make in your daily life.

Reduce single-use plastics

Plastic water bottles, drinking straws, and food and drink packaging are, unfortunately, polluting our waters in lots of different areas. Using fewer single-use plastics can make a big difference to this when we all make the effort. When you do need to use plastics, ensure that you dispose of them properly and recycle wherever possible.

Reduce microfibers

We’re likely to be contributing to plastic pollution even when we can’t see it. This is because so many products are made from plastics, such as polyester and nylon clothing. These clothes contain microfibers that can get washed away into various bodies of water. These microfibers can even be found in the seafood we eat as a result of being washed into the oceans. Avoiding synthetic clothing when possible and washing your clothes at a lower temperature can help with this problem.

Reduce litter

Not everyone is responsible when it comes to properly discarding of litter while they’re out and about. Trash discarded on beaches and around rivers can get washed into the water and contribute to pollution. If you want to do your bit in your local area, you can organize a beach clean-up, for example. Last year, the #Trashtag challenge went viral where people showed off the positive change they made to litter levels in their area.

Be careful of what you wash down your drain

It’s easy to discard a variety of things in the kitchen sink, but this could be polluting our waters. Chemicals that you use in your home are a common culprit. Some household cleaners may be suitable for the drain, but other chemicals can be extremely toxic and polluting. Always check the bottle before disposing of chemicals down your drain, and properly dispose of them or recycle them if possible.

Clean water is an essential part of our life, so we should all be trying to make small changes like these. We always recycle and properly dispose of our water bottles when delivering fresh spring water to homes and businesses across North Carolina and Virginia. Get in touch to find out more.