Blog

Tips/Articles,

Tips for an Eco-Friendly Father’s Day

May 22 2017

Share on Social Media

Father’s Day is just around the corner. There are plenty of opportunities to have an eco-friendly day and help Dad go green. Here’s how:

 

Going fishing?

  • Choose lead-free tackle! Lead is a neurotoxin that contaminates water and causes problems for wildlife, water quality, and human health. Ceramic sinkers make a great Father’s Day gift for all of the angling dads out there.
  • Clean up after your fishing trip! Leftover fishing line entangles wildlife, especially waterfowl, preventing them from eating and flying.
  • Keep your bait alive! You can keep your worms alive and even breed more with a small indoor compost bin. Keep the worms in a container with holes for airflow. Give them newspaper/paper egg cartons and some food scraps to help the worm community thrive. Not only does this give you free bait, but it also creates nutrient-rich compost for the garden and reduces your food waste.
  • Choose a reusable cooler over disposable Styrofoam coolers. Be sure to leave your fishing spot as clean as you found it (or better!). You can #PickUp5 before leaving!

 

Fishing line recycling receptacle.

 

Fire up that grill!

  • Gas grills have the smallest carbon footprint. If you are purchasing a new grill, choose gas over charcoal.
  • If you love the taste of charcoal grilled foods, choose sustainably sourced “lump” or “chunk” charcoal. This kind of charcoal is not laden with nasty additives that emit harmful VOCs and smog.
  • Use a chimney starter to light the coals instead of lighter fluid – it will lessen chemical exposure.
  • Opt for reusable plates, napkins, and utensils over single-use, disposable products.
  • Rather than using a harsh chemical cleaner, clean the grill with a metal bristle brush and the heat from the grill.
  • Never pour hot coals on the ground – it damages plants and soil. Place them in the proper disposal bins at parks or wait for them to cool and put them in your garbage bin. Do not place cooled charcoal in your compost pile.

 

Hot coal disposal bins at public parks.

 

Look for this symbol on hoses.

Helping with yard work?

  • Your hose is probably laden with lead!  Lead and other harmful chemicals are used in the inner coating of most hoses. When you water your veggies or take a drink from the hose, you are also getting a nice dose of toxins that have leached into the water. A lead-free garden hose makes a great gift for dad!
  • Most people over-fertilize their lawns. Those extra nutrients are carried away during rain events and hurt our waterways. Add compost to your gardens and if you must fertilize, choose a product without phosphorus.
  • Do some weeding for your dad! Weeding by hand will eliminate the need for chemical herbicides.
  • Check out more garden tips here.

 

Look for fertilizers with zero phosphorus.

 

Are You Ready To Do Your Part?

Volunteer Donate