(MCT)—It can be staggering to think that nearly half of all above ground water sources are contaminated by things you and I do at home. What we put down the drain inside our homes and let go down the storm drain outside all take their toll. Do Your Part to know what the biggest polluters are. Here’s a list of five things that should never go down the drain.
1. Grease
It sure is tempting to pour used cooking grease down your sink drain. STOP! That grease not only backs up your drains but those in your neighborhood too. That’s because when grease hardens it can easily clog up sewage pipes and can actually force raw sewage back into your home or into the homes of others on your street. I keep a large container under my sink to collect cooking grease and when it’s full, I take it to a full service-recycling center. Sure, it’s a little more work but a whole lot more pleasant than dealing with the alternative.
2. Used motor oil
Whatever you do, don’t pour oil down a storm drain. Those drain directly to local waterways and just one gallon of motor oil can contaminate a million gallons of water. Used motor oil is another item you’ll need to drop off at a full service-recycling center. And, if you go somewhere to get your oil changed, make sure to support those businesses that recycle their used oil.
3. Fertilizers and pesticides
Excess nutrients are another major source of contamination. When we use too much fertilizer on our yard, the excess is picked up by storm-water runoff and dumped right into our waterways. This nutrient overload causes algae to bloom, which removes oxygen from the water. That literally chokes the life from vital water creatures that help improve the water’s quality. To avoid all that, use only the amount of lawn chemicals you truly need and only when and where you need it.
4. Old or unwanted medicine
If you have medication you are no longer taking or is past its expiration date, don’t flush it unless it specifically says so on the bottle. Instead, throw the medicine in the trash in a sealed bag with coffee grounds or find a responsible medicine disposal company. Many pharmacies partner with companies that will take care of your old prescriptions properly and some of those companies allow you to return your medications to them directly. Go to DoYourPart.com/Columns for more resources.
5. Pet waste
And finally, don’t forget to Do Your Part and scoop the poop. Pet waste is considered raw sewage because it contains parasites and harmful microorganisms that can be transmitted to humans. When it rains, these parasites and bacteria can be washed into nearby storm drains. It is best to clean up after your pet and dispose of it in the trashcan.
Terri Bennett is a veteran TV meteorologist, eco-expert and author of Do Your Part: A practical guide for everyday green living available at DoYourPart.com. Send questions to terri@doyourpart.com.
Distributed by MCT Information Services
