Simple Home Habits To Reduce Water Pollution

Water pollution is a pressing issue, with only 0.3% of the Earth's surface water being fresh and usable by humans. Individuals can play a vital role in preventing water pollution at home by adopting simple, everyday habits. These habits can help to reduce the amount of pollutants that end up in our water bodies and contribute to maintaining clean water supplies. From proper waste disposal to water conservation, individuals can make a significant impact in their own homes.

Dispose of fats, oils, grease, and medicines properly

Fats, oils, and grease should never be poured down the drain or thrown out of a window. This is because they can cause blockages in your own drains, requiring an expensive call to the plumber, and they can also contribute to the creation of fatbergs in the sewers. A fatberg is a massive, agglomerated mass of non-biodegradable waste that combines with fats and oils, causing a blockage. Instead, allow the oil to cool, then pour it into a sealable container that can be thrown away. You can also freeze the oil and dispose of it once it has solidified.

Medicines should also not be poured down the sink or flushed down the toilet. This is because they can enter the water system and have negative effects on human and animal health. Instead, local collection programs can provide a safe disposal method. In the US, the FDA maintains a list of permanent collection sites and periodic "take back" events, as well as take-back guidance. Most medications can be disposed of in the trash, but it is recommended to put them in a plastic bag with an undesirable substance, such as cat litter or coffee grounds, and then throw them in the garbage.

Reduce plastic use

Plastic is one of the leading causes of water pollution, and it is essential that we all do our part to reduce our plastic consumption and dispose of it properly. Here are some detailed and direct actions you can take to reduce plastic use and help prevent water pollution in your home:

• Avoid single-use plastics: Single-use plastics, such as grocery bags, plastic wrap, disposable cutlery, straws, and coffee cup lids, are used once and then discarded. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives like cloth bags, beeswax wraps, metal cutlery, and travel mugs.
• Boycott plastic bottles: Close to 20 billion plastic bottles are thrown away each year. Carry a reusable bottle and fill it with tap water or filtered water to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
• Choose glass or stainless steel over plastic: Opt for glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic Tupperware. Plastic containers can break down over time, releasing microplastics into your food. Glass and stainless steel are also better at keeping food at a safe temperature.
• Avoid plastic packaging: Whenever possible, choose products with minimal or eco-friendly packaging. Look for items packaged in glass, metal, or paper instead of plastic. For example, choose a glass jar of honey instead of a plastic bear.
• Reuse and repurpose: Instead of automatically throwing away plastic items, try to reuse or repurpose them. For example, wash and reuse plastic containers, bags, or bottles. Donate or sell unwanted plastic items that are still in good condition.
• Buy second-hand: Consider purchasing second-hand items made of plastic or other materials. This reduces the demand for new plastic products and gives a new life to existing ones.
• Support recycled products: When you do need to buy new items, choose products made from recycled plastic or other materials. This helps reduce the amount of plastic waste and encourages companies to use recycled materials.
• Maintain and repair: Take care of your plastic products so that they last longer and don't need to be replaced as often. Repair items when possible instead of automatically discarding them.
• Recycle responsibly: Recycling is an important part of reducing plastic waste. Learn about your local recycling guidelines and properly recycle as much plastic as possible. However, remember that reducing plastic use is even better than recycling.

Reduce Plastic Pollution in Your Community

• Support bag taxes or bans: Encourage your local government to implement policies that discourage plastic bag use, such as taxes or bans. Many cities and states have already taken steps to reduce plastic bag waste.
• Buy in bulk: Single-serving plastic packaging generates a lot of waste. Opt for bulk items with minimal packaging, such as buying nuts in larger containers instead of multiple small packs.
• Choose natural fibres: When purchasing clothing, opt for natural fibres like cotton and wool instead of synthetic materials. Synthetic fibres can shed microplastics into the water during laundry.
• Advocate for change: Put pressure on manufacturers and companies to reduce their plastic packaging. Write letters, use social media, and support more sustainable competitors to encourage companies to reduce their plastic footprint.

Pick up after pets

Picking up after your pet is an important way to prevent water pollution and maintain a clean, safe environment for your community. Here are some reasons why you should always clean up after your furry friend:

Preventing Water Pollution

Pet waste is a significant source of water pollution, especially in developed North American areas. When left on the ground, rainwater, snowmelt, or landscape watering can wash it into nearby rivers, lakes, and oceans. This untreated waste contains harmful bacteria and phosphorous, which are pollutants that negatively impact water quality.

Protecting Public Health

Dog waste can contain harmful bacteria and parasites, such as E. coli, salmonella, giardia, and roundworms, which pose a risk to both humans and other animals. These pathogens can remain in the soil for years and can be transmitted through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, or even the air. Leaving pet waste unattended increases the risk of exposure to these diseases, especially for children playing in parks or public spaces.

Maintaining a Healthy Ecosystem

The nutrients and pathogens in animal waste contribute to excessive algae growth, turning the water green and cloudy. This algal bloom consumes oxygen and releases toxic chemicals, leading to the death of aquatic life and making lakes and ponds unsafe for recreational activities. By picking up after your pet, you help protect the delicate balance of the local ecosystem.

Complying with Local Laws and Regulations

In many places, it is illegal not to clean up after your pet, and you may be subject to fines or other penalties. Local communities and municipalities often have rules requiring pet owners to pick up their dog's waste in public spaces, and some neighbourhood associations may have similar requirements even for private yards.

Being a Good Neighbour

Leaving pet waste unattended can be a nuisance for your neighbours and can quickly make green spaces and sidewalks unpleasant and unsanitary. By picking up after your pet, you show consideration for your community and help maintain a clean and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Avoid flushing non-degradable products

Flushing non-degradable products down the toilet is a common mistake many homeowners make. This is often due to misconceptions about what is biodegradable and a general lack of care. However, this can lead to serious problems, including septic system failure, which can be costly.

Non-biodegradable products, such as cigarette butts, condoms, expired medications, antibacterial products, wet wipes, sanitary pads, tampons, paper towels, dental floss, band-aids, toys, and plastics, should never be flushed. These products can clog pipes and sewer systems, leading to backups of wastewater.

For example, cigarette butts are made of tightly woven plasticized cellulose acetate, which is non-biodegradable. They can clog the drain field and, as they often contain heavy metals like cadmium, can be toxic to bacteria in the septic tank. Similarly, even latex condoms usually contain synthetic materials like polyurethane, making them non-biodegradable. If flushed, they can accumulate and eventually clog pipes.

Expired medications are another issue. Their molecules are very durable and can easily resist the liquifying process in the septic tank, leading to groundwater pollution. Antibacterial products, such as hand washes, kitchen cleaners, and toilet soaps, are designed to kill bacteria, which is detrimental to the septic tank's ability to digest organic waste.

Wet wipes are a significant contributor to sewer blockages. Even those labelled as "flushable" can cause problems. Research shows that wet wipes account for up to 93% of the matter causing blockages in sewers.

Other non-degradable items, such as sanitary pads, tampons, paper towels, dental floss, band-aids, toys, and plastics, can also clog pipes and contribute to sludge buildup in the septic tank. This will cause the tank to fill up faster, requiring more frequent pumping.

To avoid these issues, it is essential to dispose of non-biodegradable products in the trash or recycling bin, rather than flushing them down the toilet. By being mindful of what we flush, we can prevent costly plumbing problems and reduce our impact on the environment.

Compost food scraps

Composting food scraps is a great way to prevent water pollution at home. Composting is nature's way of recycling organic waste into compost, a valuable fertilizer that can enhance soil and plants. Here are some detailed instructions on how to compost food scraps:

Getting Started with Composting

Firstly, you'll need to decide on a composting method. There are two main types of composting: cold composting and hot composting. Cold composting is a slower process with minimal intervention, while hot composting is faster and more managed. You should also consider whether you want to compost indoors or outdoors, as this will impact the type of bin or system you use.

Choosing a Composting Bin or System

If you have a backyard or outdoor space, you can opt for an open-air compost pile or a closed compost bin. Open-air compost piles are simple and require little maintenance, but they may attract animals and insects. Closed compost bins are enclosed structures that help retain heat and moisture, and they can be purchased or built at home. If you're composting indoors or have limited space, vermicomposting (worm composting) is a great option. You'll need a container or bin, bedding material, worms, and food scraps.

Collecting Compost Materials

For cold composting, you can simply collect your food scraps and other organic waste in a bin or pile. For hot composting, you'll need to maintain a proper balance of carbon-rich ("brown") materials and nitrogen-rich ("green") materials. Carbon-rich materials include dry leaves, twigs, and shredded paper, while nitrogen-rich materials include fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and grass clippings.

Maintaining Your Compost Pile

To maintain your compost pile, chop or break down the materials into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition. Ensure your compost has the right amount of moisture by maintaining the consistency of a wrung-out sponge. Turn your compost regularly to aerate it and speed up the decomposition process.

Using Your Finished Compost

Once your compost is dark, loose, crumbly, and smells like fresh soil, it's ready to use! You can add it to your flower beds, vegetable gardens, or yard to improve soil health, prevent erosion, conserve water, and enhance plant growth.

Composting food scraps is a simple and effective way to reduce waste and improve the environment. By following these steps, you can easily compost at home and do your part in preventing water pollution.

Frequently asked questions