10 Things YOU Can Do for Coastal Wetlands

1. Learn more about wetlands near you by reading, visiting aquariums, libraries, and museums, watching films, attending lectures, and visiting wetland web sites.
2. Participate in programs that help protect and restore wetlands. To find these programs, contact local, state, or federal offices, community groups, environmental organizations, and other non governmental organizations.
3. Report illegal actions such as fill, clearing, or dumping to government authorities, such as the Environmental Protection Agency.
4. Never litter, and pick up all litter you see and dispose in appropriate trash containers. Anything discarded can end up in a wetland and the sea.
5. Keep all waterways to storm drains clean from pet feces, toxic chemicals, fertilizers, motor oil, and litter. Learn about watersheds, the land to sea connection.
6. Use phosphate-free laundry and dishwasher detergents. Phosphates encourage algae growth, which can suffocate aquatic life.
7. Use paper and recycled products made from unbleached paper. Bleached paper contains toxic chemicals that can contaminate water. Recycle all paper.
8. Always try to use non-toxic products instead of hazardous chemicals for household cleaning and lawn and garden care. Never spray lawn and garden chemicals outside on a windy day or on a day that it may rain and wash the chemicals into the water.
9. Participate in existing recycling programs. Figure out ways to recycle everything that you use ... including paper, cardboard, food containers, toys, clothes, water, etc.
10. Create new ways to protect or enhance the waters in your own neighborhood.

Finally...share these 10 ideas with your neighbors and friends.