Yes, you can reduce ocean oil contamination!
At times, images from the BP spill seem inescapable and overwhelming, making all the small things we do to help the environment seem futile. But theyre not.
According to Ocean Link, an educational program of Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, large oil spills and offshore drilling annually constitute just over 7 percent of ocean oil contamination over 50 percent arrives via storm drains. (A full rundown is available from the Ocean Link site. We should note that there are variations in how different groups divvy up oil contamination sources, but the theme is fairly consistent.)
If you've been wondering what you can do locally to make a difference for our oceans, allow us to suggest the following:
- If youre part of a corporate, church, community, school or other group or can get together 15 friends and family members consider scheduling a storm drain stenciling outing.
Using paint and stencils, volunteers mark St. Paul storm drains with the message, Please Dont Pollute! Drains to Mississippi River (Lake or Creek)! Volunteers also distribute educational doorhangers to offer ways to neighborhood homes and businesses to reduce storm drain pollution, including oil pollution. For more information, visit our stenciling page. - Local land and water-use policy significantly impact our watershed, river and all who live downstream. Watch upcoming Mississippi Messages and our event calendar for opportunities to weigh in on important water and land-use decisions.
- Join a restoration event.
Many waterbirds migrate through the Mississippi River Corridor, relying on small but vital patches of habitat, including many areas maintained by FMR volunteers. These areas also play an essential role in water quality, as volunteer-tended native plants have deeper root systems that better filter runoff and oil pollution. Get started at one of our June and July worknights! - Landscape for water quality.
There are many ways to capture runoff pollution before it can enter the river or make its way to the ocean. Get started in your own yard this summer! For a selective listing of the most-requested local and practical resources, visit FMRs Landscape for the river webpage. We kept it brief so you can get outside and get started. - Support this work by becoming a member or by making a special donation.