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Let's Talk About The Aquatic Life! and Cleaning Your Kayak
Did you know that in our modern homes and in our modern lives
we load up on toxic and polluting substances that are designed to
make our lives easier but,
in fact, are potential
health and environment wreckers?
The cost of these commercial, chemical-based products can be
high -- long term health concerns for the family and environmental
pollution caused by their manufacture and disposal.
But it's especially true in our boating communities and marinas.
When caring for boats, a significant amount of solvent, paint, oil,
and other pollutants potentially can
seep into the ground water
or be washed directly into surface water.
The chemicals and metals in antifouling paint can limit bottom growth.
Many boat cleaners contain chlorine, ammonia, and phosphates --
substances that can harm plankton and fish.
These persist in aquatic ecosystems and harm the bottom-dwelling
organisms
that are at the base of the marine food chain.
There are several ways boaters can reduce pollution from boats and marinas.
They can select nontoxic cleaning products that do not harm humans
or aquatic life.
Using a drop cloth, cleaning and maintaining boats away
from the water, and vacuuming up
loose paint chips and paint dust
prevent paint and other chemical substances from entering waters
Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water.
Store and keep.
Clean your Kayak regularly.
And...Use at home, too,
for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures,
windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.
Another alternative is microfiber cloths which lift off dirt, grease and dust without
the need for cleaning chemicals,
because they are formulated to penetrate and trap dirt.
There are a number of different brands.
A good quality cloth can last for several years.
On a regular kayaking session, the kayak is exposed to lot of dust, dirt and other elements.
Due to the increase in pollution in the waterways the kayaks are more prone to dirt and germs.
Cleaning the kayak regularly is not very difficult and requires very little time and
effort on the part of the kayakers.
Use the recipe. It's inexpensive, environmentally safe and not harmful to our aquatic friends.
HAPPY PADDLING!