Clubs have a legal duty of responsibility for waste, pollution and contamination that is caused by their members and visitors.
The Environmental team have a few simple tips to help make your club more eco-friendly.
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Install drip trays for all your motor boats
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Encourage members to practice their controlled manoeuvres by picking up any litter in the water
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Introduce recycling bins
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Invest in water fountains and reusable water bottles
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Wash down boats with rainwater
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Install rain water dunk tanks for your equipment
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Pay attention to weed and algae growth
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Consider any electrical appliances that can be switched off, controlled or managed to reduce energy use
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Invest in automatic cut off taps and showers
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Fix any water leaks
Chris Packham’s top five tips for sailors
Television personality and Volvo Eco Challenge Ambassador, Chris Packham has put together some top tips to make your sailing more environmentally friendly.
1. CLEANING
Did you know that cleaning your boat using detergents containing phosphates can cause local oxygen depletions and may result in the localized suffocation of aquatic life.
TIP: Instead, try using water and non-toxic alternatives.
2. RUBBISH
Rubbish can take a surprisingly long time to degrade. Plastic bags and crisps packets can last up to 30 years in the sea; a tin can will survive 50 years under water; aluminum can 80-100 years and glass bottles up to 1000 years. Marine life often mistake rubbish for food. It is estimated that globally over a million birds and 100,000 marine mammals and turtles die every year from entanglement, or ingestion of plastics.
TIP: Do not throw anything over the side – if by accident you do or if you see rubbish floating in the sea – pick it up. It’s a chance to practice your boat skills!
3. SUNSCREEN
One coating of sun cream will pollute an area the size of a football pitch. Such chemicals are killing off reefs in many parts of the world.
TIP: Wherever possible – choose an environmentally friendly sun screen.
4. CIGARETTE ENDS
A filter top from a cigarette can last 10 years on a beach. Cigarette ends can harm birds and last up to 5 years. Do not throw your cigarette ends overboard.
TIP: Smokers should keep a small tin in their pocket to stub out and keep butt ends.
5. GENERAL
Sailing is viewed as an environmentally friendly sport, but sailing and sailors are causing impact to their ecosystem. The good news is this can be easily overcome.
TIP: Join a marine conservation organization and be proud to be making a difference. The Volvo Eco Challenge is awarding up to £1000 to local sailing clubs – you could put together a project to make a difference to your area.
For more information
www.thegreenblue.org.uk/publications