Ways To Actively Combat Water Pollution

Water pollution is a pressing issue, with over 5 trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean in 2019. However, individuals can make a big impact on the quality of our water by taking steps to reduce water pollution. This can be done by reducing plastic consumption, such as using reusable water bottles and shopping bags, as well as picking up trash from local bodies of water.

Pick up trash from local bodies of water

Picking up trash from local bodies of water is a great way to help reduce water pollution. Even picking up a few pieces of garbage will get the water in better condition than it was before. You can go to any local body of water, like a river or pond, and collect the trash you find there. If you want to make an even bigger impact, you can get your friends and family involved and organise a community clean-up.

To make the most impact, it's important to be mindful of the types of trash that are most harmful to water pollution. Plastic is one of the biggest contributors to water pollution and can be extremely difficult to remove once it enters our waterways. For example, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a floating patch of garbage in the Pacific Ocean, is mostly made of plastic. So, when picking up trash from local bodies of water, be sure to pay special attention to plastic items, such as plastic bottles, bags, and other disposable items.

In addition to picking up trash, you can also help reduce water pollution by using less plastic in your daily life. Instead of buying disposable plastic water bottles, you can switch to a reusable bottle made of plastic, metal, or glass. You can also reduce your plastic consumption by using paper or cloth bags instead of plastic grocery bags. By making these simple changes, you can help reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in our waterways and contribute to cleaner and healthier water for everyone.

Remember, even small actions can make a big difference when it comes to water pollution. So, the next time you're near a local body of water, take a few minutes to pick up any trash you see. By doing so, you'll be helping to improve the health of our waterways and the environment as a whole.

Use less plastic

Plastic is one of the biggest contributors to water pollution. In 2019, there were over 5 trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean. It ends up in our bodies of water and can be extremely difficult to remove. For example, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a floating patch of garbage in the Pacific Ocean, is mostly made of plastic.

Using less plastic is an easy way to help reduce water pollution. Instead of buying disposable plastic water bottles, use a reusable plastic, metal, or glass water bottle. You could also switch from plastic grocery bags to paper or cloth bags.

You can also purchase a filter specifically designed to catch microfibers. Lint traps in standard drying machines are not designed to handle microfibers, and many washing machines don’t have filters that can remove them. A filter that is designed to catch microfibers can make a huge impact.

If enough people put their minds to it and take steps to reduce water pollution, then they will have a big impact on the quality of our water.

Switch from plastic to paper or cloth bags

Plastic is one of the biggest contributors to water pollution. It ends up in bodies of water and can be extremely difficult to remove. For example, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a floating patch of garbage in the Pacific Ocean, is mostly made of plastic.

One way to reduce water pollution is to switch from plastic to paper or cloth bags. Plastic bags are often used once and then thrown away, ending up in our oceans and other bodies of water. Paper bags are biodegradable and can be recycled, while cloth bags are reusable and can be used multiple times.

You can also encourage your friends and family to make the switch to paper or cloth bags. This will help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our water systems.

In addition to switching from plastic to paper or cloth bags, there are other ways to reduce your plastic consumption. For example, instead of buying disposable plastic water bottles, you can use a reusable plastic, metal, or glass water bottle. This will help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that is generated and can also save you money in the long run.

By making these small changes, you can help to reduce water pollution and improve the quality of our water systems.

Purchase a filter designed to catch microfibers

One of the most effective ways to reduce water pollution is to purchase a filter designed to catch microfibers. Lint traps in standard drying machines are not designed to handle microfibers, and many washing machines don't have filters that can remove them. Microfibers are tiny plastic fibres that are shed from clothing and other textiles during washing and drying. They are too small to be captured by standard filters, so they end up in our waterways, contributing to the plastic pollution in our oceans, rivers and lakes.

A filter designed to catch microfibers can make a huge impact in reducing plastic pollution in our waterways. These filters are designed to capture microfibers before they enter our water systems, preventing them from becoming a source of pollution. By installing a microfiber filter in your washing machine or dryer, you can significantly reduce the amount of plastic pollution that enters our oceans and other bodies of water.

There are several types of microfiber filters available on the market, including inline filters that can be installed directly into your washing machine's water supply line, as well as stand-alone filters that can be placed in the washing machine drum. Some filters are designed to capture microfibers only, while others can also remove other contaminants such as lint, hair and dirt.

When choosing a microfiber filter, it is important to consider the specific needs of your household. Factors such as the type of washing machine you have, the frequency of use, and the types of fabrics you typically wash can all impact the effectiveness of the filter. It is also important to ensure that the filter is properly maintained and cleaned regularly to ensure optimal performance and prolong its lifespan.

By purchasing and installing a microfiber filter, individuals can take an important step towards reducing plastic pollution in our waterways. This simple action can have a significant impact on the health of our oceans and other bodies of water, helping to protect marine life and ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.

Organise a community clean-up

One of the most effective ways to help reduce water pollution is to organise a community clean-up. This can be a great way to get friends and family involved in helping the environment, and it can make a big impact on the quality of our water.

To organise a community clean-up, you can start by identifying a local body of water that needs attention, such as a river or pond. You can then spread the word about the clean-up by creating a Facebook event, posting on community forums, or even going door-to-door to invite people to join. It's important to give people plenty of notice so they can plan to attend.

On the day of the clean-up, make sure to have plenty of trash bags and gloves for everyone. You may also want to bring rakes, shovels, or other tools to help with the clean-up. It's important to stay safe and avoid any hazardous materials that may be present.

After the clean-up, you can dispose of the trash properly and even recycle any materials that can be recycled. You can also use this opportunity to educate your community about the importance of reducing plastic use and properly disposing of waste to prevent water pollution.

By organising a community clean-up, you can make a direct impact on the health of your local water sources and inspire others to take action to reduce water pollution.

Frequently asked questions