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The Marine Environment
Hazardous Waste
Whether you realize it or not, we come into contact with hazardous waste on almost a daily basis. Take out all the cleaning and maintenance products on your boat and read the instructions on the back. These products might include cleaners, paints, solvents, varnishes, fuel and antifreeze. You might be surprised that the labels strongly caution on the uses of the materials and the methods of disposal. Most, however, just describe the method of disposal as “according to local and state laws.” Problem is, the average boater doesn’t know where to find the disposal rules. For disposal information, contact your local public works department or go to http://www.earth911.com.
You can lessen your impact on the environment by substituting biodegradable products such as the following:
Product |
Alternative |
Detergent & Soap |
Elbow grease |
Bleach |
Borax |
Scouring Powders |
Baking soda, or rub area with one-half lemon dipped in borax, then rinse |
General Cleaner |
Baking soda and vinegar, or lemon juice combined with borax paste |
Floor Cleaner |
One cup vinegar in 2 gallons of water |
Window Cleaner |
One cup vinegar + 1 qt. warm water. Rinse and squeegee |
Aluminum Cleaner |
2 Tbsp. cream of tartar + 1 qt. of hot water |
Brass Cleaner |
Worcestershire sauce, or paste made of equal amounts of salt, vinegar and water |
Copper Cleaner |
Lemon juice and water, or paste of lemon juice, salt, and flour |
Chrome Cleaner/Polish |
Apple cider vinegar to clean; baby oil to polish |
Stainless Steel Cleaner |
Baking soda or mineral oil for polishing, vinegar to remove spots |
Fiberglass Stain Remover |
Baking soda paste |
Mildew Remover |
Paste with equal amounts of lemon juice and salt, or white vinegar and salt |
Wood Polish |
Olive or almond oil (interior walls only) |
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