There are plenty of positive things recreational boaties can do to protect the ecosystems of the harbours and oceans. Keeping bilge water oil-free, being careful when refueling, not throwing rubbish over board and disposing of sewage properly. One thing that is particularly easy to do which helps prevent damage is using environmentally friendly cleaning products.
The Biggest Problem With Chemical-Based Boat Cleaners
The main impacts that chemical-based cleaners have on the marine environment are as follows:
- Detergents that contain phosphates can cause local oxygen depletion and this may result in the localised suffocation of aquatic life.
- Cleaning products used on boat hulls, decks and in other places on a boat may contain chlorine, ammonia, potassium hydroxide and solvents. All of these can be very harmful to the aquatic environment.
- Degreasers which are regularly used on boats can dry the natural oils that fish need for their gills to take in oxygen.
- Most chemical-based cleaning products contain chemicals which disrupt the reproductive cycle of fish.
Avoiding detergents that contain ammonia, bleach, sodium hypochlorite, petroleum products or lye is something that should be a priority for boaties. These chemicals are all toxic to marine life and can both harm and kill plants and animals in the water. Become aware of what ingredients are in the cleaners being used and learn how to spot the nasties.
Easy Alternatives to Chemical Cleaning Products for Boats
An increasing number of companies have developed boat cleaning products that do not use these chemicals which are harmful to the aquatic environment. These are readily available and a search on the internet will find a range of products and local suppliers. There are also a number of options available to boaties to replace regular cleaners loaded with chemicals with more environmentally friendly products.
- Replace any scouring powders with baking soda or salt.
- Instead of flour cleaner use a quarter of a cup of white vinegar diluted in 2 litres of water.
- Exchange the head cleaner with a brush and baking soda.
- Replace a chemical bleach with hydrogen peroxide.
- Remove mildew by using a paste mixed up of equal parts of lemon juice and salt.
- Instead of using a fibreglass stain remover use baking soda paste.
When cleaning boats, remember to try to do it on-shore where possible to reduce run off into the water. Also use reusable cloths, such as old clothes and towels, rather than disposable paper towels.
The alternatives to chemical-based cleaners can sometimes mean a bit more elbow grease but they also mean a cleaner, safer marine environment
Lucy Brake - Lucy has been working in the environmental industry for the last 10 years, specializing in the impacts of coastal, marine and port ...
