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10 Quick Tips for the Green Boater

The good folks at Boat US recently published a great list of simple things we can all do to be more environmentally friendly on the water.

We have written extensively on this blog about most of these issues, but sometimes a few quick bullet points sink in better than a longer version.

Please keep these great ideas in mind the next time you head out.

Boaters have a vested interest in clean water, which is able to support diverse fish and wildlife.  One by one our collective actions add up.  Here are some ideas from the BOAT/US Clean Water Trust about how you can help the waters while boating.

1- Stash your trash.  Never throw anything into the water that didn’t come out of it. Keep trash, even food waste, onboard and bring it back to recycle or throw away on shore. 

2 – Respect marine wildlife.  Don’t feed or harass dolphins and other mammals. Reduce speed and give a wide berth to all marine life.

3 – Fish for the future.   Learn proper catch and release techniques and use them after you’ve caught what you need.

4 -Watch your wake.  Large wakes can unnecessarily accelerate shoreline erosion.  Throttle back in narrow waterways. Use moorings rather than anchoring in environmentally delicate areas such as coral reef. When snorkeling or diving, never touch any live coral.

5 - Comply with sewage standards.  Install a coast Guard- approved marine sanitation device on your boat and use it.  Consult up-to-date cruising guides for the locations of pump- out facilities. If you can’t find one in your area, organize boat owners to convince your local marina to install one.

6 - Tune up your engine.  A tuned engine improves fuel economy and burns fuel more efficiently, causing fewer emissions into the air and water.

7 - Refuel with care.  Take precautions to keep fuel and oil out of the water.  Do not top off your fuel tanks, as it usually leads to spillage.   Use a “bilge pillow” to soak up leaks in your bilge.

8 - Reuse and recycle.  Recycle spent antifreeze, fuel, oil, oil filters, and batteries.  Use less toxic propylene glycol antifreeze whenever possible, but check before mixing it with other antifreeze for recycling.

9 - Wash often.  Wash your decks regularly with fresh water and a scrub brush to reduce the amount of strong chemical cleaners needed throughout the boating season.

10 - Get involved.  You can make an even greater impact by donating money and/or your time to environmental action groups, from national organizations like the Center for Marine Conservation,  the BOAT/U.S. Cleanwater Trust, and to regional groups such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.   Be a watchdog. If you’re out on the water and see oil or chemical spill or other pollution, call the Coast Guard’s National response Center hotline (800-424-8802).

Eating Seafood Responsibly

It goes without saying that boating and seafood go together like the proverbial apple pie and ice cream. Nothing compares to a nice filet off the grill at the end of a long day in the sun. If you possess the skills and the gear to haul dinner out of the deep you are usually in little danger of harming the ecosystem as long as you adhere to the regulations and catch limits in the areas you frequent.

For those of us who are less talented in the fine arts of fishing, however, a more likely scenario involves heading to the local market and stocking a cooler full of seafood for a weekend on the water. By now, most folks are aware of the many health benefits to be had from the fruits of the sea. But how often do we consider the impact our seafood choices have on the health of the Planet around us?

Like everything we consume, seafood is a resource, subject to the same pressures and market forces that affect anything of value. An obvious example of what is wrong with the current way this resource is being managed can be found in the headline stories of Bluefin Tuna fetching $100,000 or more in the Tokyo fish markets. While some folks might chalk this madness up to decadent millionaires willing to spend anything on a meal just because they can, the reality is much more bleak for one of Nature’s most majestic creatures.

By all accounts Bluefin fishery stocks are on the verge of extinction, having been fished to the brink with little if any thought to the future. Economics 101 dictates that scarcity creates value. When people want something and they have trouble getting it, they usually become willing to pay more. 99.9% of us cannot imagine spending six figures on a single fish, but the fact is the .1% who can is willing to spend big regardless of the consequences.

Once considered to be the provider of an endless bounty, the Ocean has been swept clean. Dig a little online or in your bookstore and you will be shocked by the statistics. If there is any place on Earth where the Wild West mentality of “get what you can while you can” is at work it is in the offshore fishing fleets. Sure, there are rules and regulations governing coastal waters that provide a degree of comfort to those of us who want our grandkids to experience the thrill of hauling in a big one. And there are also remarkable examples of fisheries like Alaska where sustainable practices have been recognized as the key to long term survival.

For the most part, though, the damage being done to bring fresh fish to market is out of control. Bottom trawlers that rip up the sea bed, long lines that kill everything, drift nets that do the same, helicopter-guided catch boats, fish finders with military grade electronics, and good old fashioned greed are just a few of the culprits driving the demise of our fisheries.

While concerned parties argue for tougher rules and regulations to combat these practices – as they should -the most effective way for the average person to make a difference now is to let your wallet do the talking. By refusing to purchase seafood that is not harvested sustainably we can all make a very real, very positive impact on the world around us.

So how do we make the right choices?

Until recently there has been a lack of current information out there for folks looking to make informed decisions about what ends up on their plate. Through the dedicated efforts of our friends at the Blue Ocean Institute things are changing for the better in this regard.

Available for free, the Blue Ocean Institute Guide to Ocean Friendly Seafood is a simple, yet powerful tool anyone can use to help reverse the harm being done. Updated regularly, this handy guide lets you know in easy to understand terms what is good and what is bad about the seafood options you might consider. A color coded key lets you see at a glance which species are in trouble, which are doing fine, and which are on the fence. A brief sentence or two accompanies each description so you can see exactly what factors go into these rankings. In addition, species prone to mercury concentrations and other health hazards are highlighted too.

Anyone who has ever bought anything at www.greenboatstuff.com has received one of the printed versions of this guide with their order. Foldable into the size of a business card, the guide fits in a wallet or purse with ease. The most current version can be downloaded directly from The Blue Ocean Institute through the following link http://blueoceaninstitute.com/pdfs/miniguide_color.pdf

Cell phone and PDA users can visit www.fishphone.org and download a version straight to your favorite communication device.

For the truly advanced, texting “Fish” and the species name to 30644 will provide instant feedback you can use to make the right call. Not to digress, but guys, if you’re looking for a way to impress that special someone, try this trick at dinner and you are sure to score points you just can’t put a price tag on.

There is even a new Sushi Friendly guide at http://blueoceaninstitute.com/pdfs/oceanfriendlysushi.pdf

The choices made by generations past and present have pushed our fragile Planet to where we find ourselves now. Going forward these same choices we all face will either dig the hole deeper, or help get things back on track. If you want to make a difference, you can. Please take a minute and let the Blue Ocean Institute Guide to Ocean Friendly Seafood show you how.

Eating Seafood Responsibly

Encourage Your Marina To Go Green

 

Here in the beautiful state of Washington where we live and work there are now 39 certified Clean Marina’s operating. With several hundred marinas, both public and private, operating in our state, there is still a long way to go. Still, progress is being made.

The Clean Marina Initiative is a program promoted by NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association to move our vulnerable waterfront recreational facilities in the right direction. All you need to do is walk the docks at most marinas to see the assortment of unnecessary junk that is floating around in a slick of gas, oil and diesel.

Since so much activity takes place at marinas that can cause pollution, from fueling to maintenance and beyond, it is only sensible that the common sense, environmentally conscious standards should be employed there.

As the green tide spreads, it is also quite likely that more stringent rules and regulations are only a matter of time. In several locations that have become toxic nightmares, like San Francisco Bay and Seattle’s Lake Union, changes are being enforced to clean up this mess, and we say, about time.

For the marina owners and operators looking to preempt costly changes that are mandated from on high, the time is now to get on the clean marina bandwagon. Far sighted boat yard owners are already improving the products and processes they use such as installing waste water filtration systems, employing safe cleaning agents or shifting to copper free paints in an effort to get ahead of the game.

The benefits of becoming a clean marina, in addition to doing the right thing, are many. The following information can shed more light on the subject.

For those of you who want to clean up your local marina, make your concerns known and encourage the powers that be to go green.

What is the Clean Marina Initiative?

The Clean Marina Initiative is a voluntary, incentive-based program promoted by NOAA and others that encourages marina operators and recreational boaters to protect coastal water quality by engaging in environmentally sound operating and maintenance procedures. While Clean Marina Programs vary from state to state, all programs offer information, guidance, and technical assistance to marina operators, local governments, and recreational boaters on Best Management Practices (BMPs) that can be used to prevent or reduce pollution. Marinas that participate in the Clean Marina Program are recognized for their environmental stewardship.

Why is the Clean Marina Initiative Important?

Clean Marina programs help reduce pollution to our coastal waters by encouraging environmentally-friendly marina and boating practices

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Marinas and recreational boating are increasingly popular uses of coastal areas. The U.S. Coast Guard reported a 14% increase in recreational boating between 1990 and 1999. Because marinas are located right along the water’s edge, pollutants created by marina activities are released directly into the water. Although not one of the leading sources of polluted runoff, pollution from marinas can have a significant impact on local water quality. Therefore, is it important to promote operation and maintenance practices that will prevent pollution from entering coastal waterways.

Benefits of a Clean Marina Program

A Clean Marina Program offers many benefits to marina operators and coastal areas participating in the program.

Benefits for Marinas Operators and Owners

• Reduce waste disposal costs. The Best Management Practices (BMPs) will reduce the amount of wastes produced so disposal costs will be less.
• Generate new sources of revenue. Studies have shown that Clean Marinas can charge slightly higher slip fees and have fewer vacancies.
• Receive free technical assistance. Best Management Practices guidebooks, training workshops and on-site visits are available to marina operators. Often states will even offer on-site assistance for meeting regulatory requirements.
• Reduce legal liabilities. By participating in the Clean Marina Program, marinas can ensure they are meeting all regulatory requirements, thus avoiding fines.
• Enjoy free publicity. States recognize Clean Marinas through press releases, newsletters, and boating guides, etc.
• Attract knowledgeable customers. Clean Marinas are aesthetically pleasing facilities that can attract responsible clientele that will follow good boating practices.
• Improve water quality and habitat for living resources. The marina and boating industry depends on clean waters and a healthy coastal environment for their continued success.
• Demonstrate marina is a good steward of the environment. Many states distribute special burgees and signs for Clean Marinas to display. Clean Marinas are also allowed to use the State’s Clean Marina logo on all letterhead.

Benefits for State Coastal Managers and Others
Interested in Starting Clean Marina Programs

• Educate boaters. The Clean Marina Program is an excellent way to reach out to recreational boaters and demonstrate how they can alter their own practices to minimize impacts on the marine environment.
• Satisfy the requirements of the State Coastal Nonpoint Control Program. By developing a Clean Marina Program, a state will demonstrate a commitment to implement the marina management measures required by the joint NOAA/EPA program.
• Improve Coordination. By joining in the Clean Marina Initiative, states and their partners will be able to join the growing network of Clean Marina Programs nationwide.

NOAA’s Role in the Clean Marina Initiative

NOAA, jointly responsible for administering the Coastal Nonpoint Control Program with EPA, plays an important role in protecting coastal waters from polluted runoff. The Coastal Nonpoint Program establishes a consistent set of management measures for all coastal states to use in controlling nonpoint source pollution. Management measures are designed to prevent or reduce runoff from a variety of sources, including marinas.

NOAA recognizes that the Clean Marina Initiative can serve a valuable role in protecting coastal waters from nonpoint source pollution and has promoted the program as a way for states to meet many of the marina management measure requirements under the Coastal Nonpoint Program. As a result, the Coastal Nonpoint Program has been responsible for driving the development of most of the state Clean Marina Programs existing today and developing a national interest in the Initiative. NOAA continues to support the Clean Marina Initiative through targeted grant funding to states developing Clean Marina Programs. Between FY01 and FY06, nearly $3 million went to support clean marina efforts.

For more information, contact cleanmarinas@noaa.gov.

The China Syndrome – Considering Asian Made Goods

We recently received an email from a customer who laid into us for carrying products made in China.

With all the bad press out there about tainted toothpaste, leaded kid’s toys, poison pet food, and so on it is easy to see why many people have a hard time purchasing Chinese goods. We too are sick and tired of the proliferation of cheap crap coming out of Asian factories. The vast majority of the low price plastic products found in boating supply stores are manufactured in this part of the world.

Anyone who tuned into the Olympics this summer saw images of smog and pollution that even the best Politburo image consultants couldn’t convince us were simply “mist.” There is no denying that China today suffers from intense environmental degradation, and in much of Asia this pattern of 19^th century industrialization is causing terrible harm. A look at the statistics on water and air quality over there is straight out of Dickens.

Much has been said about the consequences of the unabated growth   in China, most of it accurate and reason for concern.

At the same time, however, we take exception to the idea that everything coming out of Asia is bad and should be avoided at all costs. We don’t expect everyone to agree with our reasons for this stance, but as an environmentally conscious company we feel that a little explanation is a good thing. We welcome your comments, either in agreement or dissent.

For one thing, as patriotic as we are, we have trouble with the blanket thinking that essentially argues that all goods produced in the USA are good and everything from China is bad. For anyone paying attention to history, it is important to recognize that the vast majority of toxins that modern industry has dumped into our waterways were originally synthesized in American laboratories by American companies. The post World War II boom in chemical production is well documented as being driven by American industry. We could go on and on here, but before we throw rocks at other countries for the pollution they cause we might want to look in the mirror first.

Granted, great strides have been made with environmental policy here at home, however, there is still a very strong argument to be made for American culpability in the proliferation of compounds linked to cancers, genetic abnormalities, and countless health problems in human beings and other life forms.  As much as we detest the oppressive and misguided policies of the Chinese government, they didn’t bring the world PCBs, PVC, plastic, and so on, we did.

Since any discussion on China vs. America inevitably leads to a review of our different political systems, let’s get this one out of the way right now. We love America. This great nation has done more to secure and promote liberty than any country in the history of the world. We hate communism. The damage done to Mother Earth and mankind in general under communism is immeasurable. At the same time, though, we believe America has made her fair share of mistakes.  Our point here is simply that to base a decision about buying, or not buying, goods made in China by exalting our great country over theirs’ might be a bit hypocritical.

Moving beyond the historical and political issues brings us to the current state of affairs we find ourselves confronted with when dealing with suppliers who use Chinese factories. We will not carry goods made in China unless we are certain that the manufacturing facilities involved meet strict criteria.

One of our favorite examples of the oversight we require comes from the apparel supplier we deal with, HT Naturals. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, HT Naturals designs and produces high quality clothing made from such earth friendly materials as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and so on. Given the economic realities of profitably manufacturing these items, HTN made the decision to locate their main manufacturing facility in China. Unlike many old-school apparel companies, however, HTN established rigorous and verifiable standards for the operation of their factory.

These common sense provisions include strict environmental standards for air, water, and overall facility operations, banning child labor, implementing an anti-discrimination policy, establishing a living wage, offering affordable health care and maternity leave, and so on. These programs are overseen by managers whose livelihood is tied to their enforcement. HTN executives perform routine inspections and employee interviews to verify everything is proceeding according to plan.

While no system is perfect, we would argue that conditions in the Chinese operations of HTN are vastly superior to what the majority of the world’s textile workers experience.

The point here is that it is possible to do business in China, or any other country, while still occupying the moral high ground. Consumers should boycott companies that abuse their workers or intentionally pollute the planet. The only way real progress will be made in the efforts to clean up the planet, however, will be if all companies adopt the type of policies HTN has put in place, whether in China, America, or anywhere else.

Consumer choice is one of the most powerful means of executing change. As you make your buying decisions we would urge you to consider the many factors that go into producing an earth friendly product, not just the geography of its’ origin.

Green Galley Gear

Let’s face it, good food and drink is an essential part of enjoying time on the water.

Unfortunately, so many boaters seem to forget that they are on the water when it comes time to whip up a meal or pass out the sundowners. Troll through any big marina, hit a crowded beach, or just spend a few days floating around and you are pretty much guaranteed to come across all sorts of junk that has escaped from the galley.

Styrofoam  dishes, plastic utensils , food containers, the stray synthetic “coolie cup” that slipped off somebody’s cold one, coolers, and of course our constant companion, the disposable water bottle, are just a few of the  things that so many boaters take for granted. And yet, this stuff is literally choking the waterways we claim to enjoy.

When it comes time to set up your galley please keep a simple principle in mind – Do not use anything that will not break down if it goes over the side.  

This precautionary principle will serve you well in many aspects of boating, and it is fairly easy to apply if you put your mind to it. All you have to do is look at everything you use in or around the galley and find a natural alternative to the cheap plastic junk that all the ads tell you belong on a boat.

Sound hard? Maybe.

 Doable? Of course.

Worth The Trouble? Your conscience can easily answer this one.

Let’s look at some common galley gear and the green alternatives that are out there.

Dishes –

Plain old paper plates are a good choice if you are on a budget, although they do take up precious space in the trash and a tree was probably cut down somewhere along the production line. If you go this route, shell out another buck or two for the stuff made from recycled paper products. Don’t let the marketing gurus trick you into buy recyclable instead. Remember, advertising executives know our attention span is often short enough that we can be duped into thinking recyclable and recycled mean the same thing. In fact, any paper product “can” be recycled, but most never are.  If you do go the disposable route you also need to avoid the poly-paper blend versions. These are usually shiny, slick, and come in lots of fancy colors. As sturdy and pretty as they may be, the poly base means they are full of chemicals, petroleum, and all sorts of bad stuff. If you really want disposable stuff, look for the new cornstarch or sugarcane based plastic dishes, or even those single use versions made from bamboo or other sustainable materials. The new bio-plastics can be a little tough to find, and while they look like traditional plastic, they will actually biodegrade with ease since they are made from vegetable oils. Be careful using the bio-plastics with really hot stuff, sometimes it melts. Wood dishes have come a long way in recent years. Many options exist from plain to fancy, and most of the wood stuff comes from sustainably grown plants like bamboo (technically a grass, not a wood), acacia, and others.  Be mindful you don’t buy a nice natural wood bowl covered in paint or some other synthetic finish. Look for food safe oils or other natural, plant based finishes. Stainless steel dishes are great on a boat. Now I know the image of a steel mill doesn’t exactly conjure up environmentally friendly images. However, if you compare the environmental impact of a set of stainless dishes that you will have on board for years and that will break down given enough time in the water vs. the completely non-biodegradable plastic set you replace every season or two, stainless wins hands down. Glass and ceramic can be good choices if you can keep them from breaking. Consider recycled glass products, and be wary of ceramic glazes, many contain lead or other nasty stuff.

Utensils –

Biodegradable plastic utensils are available if you look hard enough, but again be careful with hot stuff. Leaving a bio-plastic spoon in a hot baked potato might leave you with nothing but the handle. Wood is a great option here, especially chopsticks. Kids love trying to master them and clean up is easy. Good stainless utensils will last for years, although some people don’t like the metallic taste they can impart.

Pots and Pans – This is a tough one for some folks, and an area where we get a lot of opinions. You obviously can’t use wood over an open flame, although when properly used, bamboo steamers are quite versatile and double as attractive food servers. For the most part stainless steel is the greenest option available. Cast iron works great, but is prone to rusting, especially on a boat. At www.greenboatstuff.com we refuse to carry non-stick cookware. Treated with Teflon, or some other such synthetic, these cook-sets make clean up a breeze, but at a steep price. Mounting evidence shows that the chemicals from these non-stick coatings are showing up in the bloodstream of people around the globe, and even in the breast milk of nursing mothers. Who knows the damage this may ultimately cause, but for our part, we think folks would rather scrub a little harder instead of ingesting Teflon. 

Food Storage – Use stainless steel instead of plastic. More and more stainless food containers are coming on the market all the time. The folks at To-Go Ware have a great product just for this purpose. For more info check out www.greenboatstuff.com/towaststfoca.html

Liquid Storage – I won’t bore you with more statistics on how many disposable plastic water bottles are literally floating around out there, but the numbers are staggering. Recent concerns about PCB (chemical code for really nasty stuff) contaminants leaching from those cute, multi-colored “permanent” plastic water bottles has made a lot of people rethink their water bottles. These same concerns have a lot of concerned mom’s looking for alternatives to the traditional poly sippy cups and baby bottles too.  New “good plastic” water bottles that supposedly do not leach toxins are making the rounds as a result, but most of these are still petroleum-based, permanent plastic none the less.  The best water bottles, in my opinion, are either stainless steel or aluminum. Built to last for years, these bottles can be made from recycled materials and then recycled themselves when they finally give out. Be careful with aluminum though – as long as the bottle has an impermeable liner you should be fine, bottles without liners can impart toxins of their own. Food grade stainless steel is one of the best materials out there for both food and liquid storage. Tough and relatively lightweight, stainless does not require a liner to be safe.

Towels, Linens and Soft Stuff – Avoid anything synthetic. Polyester, nylon, or artificial fibers not only cause problems when they are created, but they can persist in the environment for years. Focus on natural fibers like organic cotton, hemp, and the like. These materials cause minimal if any harm in their production, and they also break down easily if they ever go over the side.

Chip Clips, Towel Hooks and all the Little Stuff – Once again, avoid synthetics. Nylon or plastic galley gadgets come in all sorts of sizes, shapes and colors. All you really need to know about this junk is that it polluted the environment when it was made, and it will be here 100,000 years from now. Brass, bronze, stainless steel, and even wood are good examples of materials that can do the job well, last for ages, usually be recycled, and yet cause minimal damage to the environment. Avoid painted gear if you can, along with chrome, zinc, or other plated surfaces. All this stuff causes harm.

Alternatives to Traditional Plastic Trash Bags.

Anyone who has spent time on or near the water lately has almost certainly come across a plastic bag? Whether they are floating by your stern, dancing down the beach, or wrapped around a tree branch, this junk is everywhere. As if it were not enough that we have to look at this garbage dump we have created, we must also recognize that it will be here in one form or another for countless generations to come.

You see, as cheap and convenient as plastic bags are, they come with a much higher true cost to the environment. Mass produced in the industrial boom of post-World War II, every plastic bag ever created is still out there today, either in its original form, or in smaller pieces. Hailed as a “wonder” product by the marketing gurus, the only thing “wonderful” about disposable plastic is that it exposes how short sighted and selfish mankind has become.

Without getting too technical, the bottom line is that plastic bags never really go away. Created from chemicals, primarily petroleum, the modern plastic bag cannot be broken down into biodegradable compounds.  Just to name a few, all the plastic bags in use today – grocery bags, food storage bags, small and large trash bags, pet waste bags, etc…etc… will persist in the environment forever.

Plastic bags can certainly change form.  Given enough time and sunlight, plastic can “degrade” into smaller and smaller pieces, but the same amount of unnatural material still exists, just in pieces. Bury it in an oxygen free landfall and it might shrink a little, but that’s it. Burn it and plastic turns into a glob of goo, releasing most of its toxic components into the atmosphere.

The only hope that plastic bags will ever disappear lies several hundred thousand years in the future.  By then it is possible bacteria will have evolved capable of consuming this stuff and converting it back into its elemental form.  Anybody really care to wait a few thousand centuries?

Unfortunately, most bags just end up literally floating around. Cruise through any metropolitan marina and plastic is in the water. Running an Internet search on the effects of plastic on marine life will reveal facts and images that even the worst litterbug would be ashamed of.  Casualties of the plastic bag include sea birds, marine mammals, fish, and more. 

One of the greatest victims is the peaceful sea turtle. After making it through the last 100 million years or so just fine, these majestic creatures are on the fast track to extinction these days. To be fair to the plastic merchants, fishermen and egg poachers have done most of the damage to the turtles, but a plastic bag adrift at sea looks remarkably similar to a jelly fish, one of the turtle’s favorite foods. For any skeptics out there, try swallowing a few grocery bags and see how you feel.

The gruesome particulars of the damage done include intestinal blockages, suffocation, and the particularly cruel one- starvation. You see as the belly of sea creatures fill up with non-biodegradable plastic there is less and less room for real food, leading to weakness, sickness, and death.

How did we get here – to this point in our development as a species where we are willing to sacrifice one of the most noble, gentle, and harmless creatures ever created so we can stuff more junk in a sack?

So what are we to do?

It’s simple really, stop using traditional plastic.

Viable alternatives exist.

First, get some reusable shopping bags and use them at the store. Organic cotton, hemp, and other natural fabrics are your best choices, but any fabric is better than plastic.

Here is a link to some examples

http://www.greenboatstuff.com/bagscases.html 

Just avoid polyester or recycled plastic bags if you can. Sure, you can argue that the tough bags made from these synthetics are better than disposable bags, after all they are using recycled materials right? While there is some truth to this argument it doesn’t solve the problem of eliminating disposable synthetics in the first place, it only shuffles them around some.  The only way we can break the cycle is to stop using synthetics in the first place.

To quote someone with tremendous insight –

“In Nature no synthetic substance is synthesized unless there is provision for its degradation; recycling is enforced.” – Barry Commoner

If you must choose between paper or plastic in the checkout line go with paper. Many valid environmental issues surround paper production, but trees grow and paper can biodegrade. As in many green choices there is often a choice between the lesser of two evils. In my opinion paper bags do less harm.

Second, consider biodegradable, vegetable based plastic bags. Yes they do exist now.  Plan on paying more for biobags than you would regular plastic, but when you measure the true cost of both options, biobags are a bargain. Made from corn, biobags will breakdown harmlessly given some oxygen and sunshine, both readily available in any ocean, lake, or river. Available in several sizes, from small to large, and several in between.  

One thing to be wary of are the new plastic bags that advertise themselves as “degradable.” There is quite a difference between biodegradable and degradable. Biodegradable bags break down into natural compounds and return their contents to the Earth. Degradable plastic simply falls apart with time, converting one big piece of eternal plastic into countless smaller pieces.

For more details follow this link

http://www.greenboatstuff.com/bitrba.html

Third, replace your sandwich bags and plastic wrap with bleach free waxed paper bags and food wrap. Renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable, waxed paper is a very green alternative.  

One more link

http://www.greenboatstuff.com/wabothcucofo.html

Once again, green alternatives to damaging products exist, work well, and are affordable too; all it takes is a little effort on all our parts to do the right thing.

Green Anti-Fouling Paint

The minute your boat hits the water all sorts of aquatic critters try to hitch a ride. Depending on your water conditions – fresh or salt, warm or cold, you will experience varying degrees of growth on your hull.  If not treated properly, before too long, a little green line will form at the waterline, followed by an increasing amount of slimy stuff accumulating below the waterline. In the most extreme cases the big boys – barnacles, muscles, and their friends will grab on too.

For centuries mariners dealt with this same problem, of course, but somewhere along the way, somebody came up with a solution that sounded pretty good at the time. Unfortunately for the environment, the same basic principles behind this original fix have led to a pollution problem that may never go away. After getting fed up with watching their boats devoured below the waterline, some ancient shipwright decided to apply a thin sheet of copper to his vessels hull. As pretty as it is, copper is deadly toxic to anything that tries to grow on it.

In modern times, the chemical gurus decided that what worked for the Romans would work today. Instead of sheathing entire boats in copper, however, somebody decided to mix copper into a paint that could be applied to a boat’s hull. Other nasty stuff – mostly heavy metals – were also added, making modern day anti-fouling paint.

To prolong the effectiveness of this wonder product, most formulas are designed to be “ablative”, and here is where the damage to the marine environment starts.  Ablative paints are soft.  Over time, the paint layers gradually fall off, exposing a new and more toxic layer of paint to keep the critters away.  The problem, of course, is that as the old layer of paint sinks, it carries along with it trace amounts of all the toxins it contains.

A 30 foot sailboat requires about four gallons of anti-fouling paint to adequately cover the exposed hull surface. The average effective life of this paint job is about 18-24 months. If you are using copper paint you are basically dumping four gallons of paint over the side every few years.  Add up all the boaters doing the same thing and you can start to see what we are doing to the waters we enjoy. As tempting as it may be to blame big industry for most of our water pollution problems, boaters should take a long look into the mirror as well.

There are statistics that will make your head spin about heavy metal concentrations, parts per million, etc… but the one that really hits home has to do with the resident Killer Whale populations of Puget Sound. Based on laboratory analysis of random blood samples from these majestic creatures, the toxic load in their bodies will probably make the entire group sterile, and subsequently extinct, within the next 25 years.  Now obviously, this travesty did not occur just because of boat paint. But if mankind’s efforts to go a little faster, or make their boats look neat and shiny contributed even a little bit, we should be ashamed of ourselves if we use another gallon of toxic anti-fouling paint.

Alternatives exist that are effective, safe, and comparable in cost.

One of the pioneers in the area of copper-free boat paints is a company called EPaint. In a nutshell, Epaint solves the problem of deterring marine growth on your boat with a common substance – hydrogen peroxide. When properly applied, EPaint reacts with water and oxygen to create a microscopic layer of hydrogen peroxide on the bottom of your boat. Hydrogen peroxide is toxic to life forms that might try to take hold, however, when it falls off into the water it breaks down harmlessly. You see, the chemical formula for hydrogen peroxide is H2O2. After it sloughs off your hull, H2O2 converts into good old H2O – or water –in no time. So, instead of leaving a trail of copper in your wake you get to keep your speed, keep your shine, and stop causing harm.

For more details on EPaint you can check out the company’s main web site at

Before you buy please consider going  through  greenboatstuff.com at

Another option that is gaining ground are the “slick” paints being developed. The concept here is a paint that is so slippery it is extremely difficult for any organism to grab on in the first place. Much like a Teflon pan that keep food from sticking, these “Teflon” paints are better alternatives, in our opinion, than the copper paints. The issue we have with the slick paints, however, is that the chemical compounds that make them work can still accumulate in the water, and subsequently the tissue of the plants and animals that live there. The manufacturers will argue that the slick paints are much harder than the ablatives, and therefore less likely to come off your hull in the short term. While this may be

true, all paints peel eventually. Compared to copper, however, the slick paints are a much better choice.

The greenest option, of course, is to apply no paint at all. A long, sturdy scrub brush works pretty well at dislodging most algae. Sure it’s a chore, but so is painting. At about $200 per gallon for anti-fouling paint (reapplied every few years), you can also pencil the cost of hiring a local diver to do the scrubbing for you, or just doing it yourself. If you were looking for an excuse to justify the cost of getting dive certified, here you go.

Whatever you decide when it comes to anti-fouling paint, please try to look at the big picture. As big as we might think the world is, it is still a closed system, affected either now or later by the actions we take.

Fueling Your Boat The Green Way

Unless you are a true purist with no engine onboard, fueling your boat is a fact of life. This simple act that we usually take for granted has more potential than just about any boating activity to cause real environmental damage.

Walk the docks near any fueling facility and you are guaranteed to see a deadly rainbow sheen on the water. Just a few loose drops of gas or diesel can spread across the water in no time. Turn your head away while filling your tanks and the accidental spray that heads over the side can contaminate an area many times larger than your boat’s footprint. Let a few gallons loose and you can destroy an ecosystem.

For boaters who trailer their boats each time they head out, it is easy to fill up just like you do your car. After you fill up a quick wipe down of your boat’s exterior will make sure you don’t carry any stray fuel to the water with you.

For boaters who keep their vessel in the water most of the time there will be a lot more effort required to avoid a spill.

However, like most modern day tasks requiring the use of nasty stuff near the water, there are some simple precautions you can take to get the job done without causing any harm.

First and foremost, pay attention. More fuel spills are caused by the neglect of a busy skipper than anything else. It is imperative that you take the time to devote all your focus to fueling your boat. This is not the time to be carrying on multiple conversations or doing two things at once. You can afford to daydream when you are washing your boat, but not when you are fueling her.

If you fill up at a marina with traditional fuel pumps take a minute to do it right. Keep the hose nozzle elevated in such a way that the last guys left over fuel doesn’t hit the water. Also, keep a few paper towels or a dedicated fuel rag handy as you handle the hose and insert it in your fuel tank. Being able to wipe up those few accidental drops right away is a must.

Unfortunately, many novice boaters fuel their boat on the water as if it were a car. They jam the nozzle down the fuel intake pipe and let er rip. Unlike car’s however, most inboard marine engines have venting systems to allow condensation and fumes to escape the fuel tanks. If you try to fill your boat like your car you run the very real risk that these vents will overflow with fuel, right into the water. To avoid this unnecessary mess consider a few things.

One, keep track of your engine’s fuel requirements. With some third grade math you should be able to figure how much fuel you use every hour your engine runs, giving you a good idea how much you will need at each fill up. Write these facts and figures down in your ship’s log (yes, even small boats should have one of these) so you know when to slow and then stop your fueling.

Two, consider using spill prevention devices. Several exist and they are easy to use. One option is a No-Spill system that is a sealed catch basin you place over your exterior fuel vents to catch any overflow. These inexpensive tools are easy to use and stow easily. My only complaint about them is that you must deal with returning the overflow fuel to a proper container, not always a foolproof task. Compared to causing a spill, however, this minor inconvenience is a no-brainer.

Another nifty gizmo is called a fuel whistle. These simple devices have no moving parts and are permanently installed so you don’t have to mess with them each time you fill up.  First, you locate the hose leading to your exterior fuel vents. Then you make a simple cut in the vent hose, insert the fuel whistle and clamp the hose back down. Total time to install is less than 15 minutes for even the mechanically challenged. Once in place, the fuel whistle works according to simple physics. As you fill your tanks the air inside them is pushed up the vent hose, through the fuel whistle, and out the vents. As your tanks fill, the pressure on the expelled air increases. The fuel whistle is engineered to begin making noise once the air pressure reaches a point that corresponds with a nearly full tank. When the whistle blows, shut off your fuel source and you are good to go.

These prevention devices work great for fueling in a marina, but they also help the boater who must bring fuel to their boat. For those of us unlucky enough to deal with this chore there are some simple guidelines to follow. Please don’t bring the same cheap fuel container to your boat that you might use for your lawnmower. You know the ones I mean, either plastic or metal with a simple spout on the end that may or may not have a plug in it.  The moment of truth with these containers comes when you make the initial pour. All that fuel rushes down the spout and usually makes a splash. It is nearly impossible not to spill these old fashioned containers. Instead, spend a few extra bucks on the newer flow control containers out there. Usually made from a thick plastic, the flow control models let you positions the container and insert the spout before a drop of fuel comes out. Once ready, push a little gravity switch and your fuel goes where it is should and nowhere else.

For more details on fuel prevention devices please check out our retail website at

http://www.greenboatstuff.com/fuspprcluppr.html

For boaters with deep pockets or a desire to be extra precise, there are numerous electronic gauges that regulate your fuel status too. If installed properly these devices work great. Unfortunately, such gauges are often out of sight when you are bent over filling a tank, so they can be useless unless you have a partner within earshot watching them.

Regardless of how you fuel your boat, the key is to fuel your boat and nothing else. Common sense and patience are the key to doing the job the right way.

Once You Get to the Water

Heading Out On The Water – After You Leave The Grocery Store