Although it may seem difficult, people can break habits when they put their mind and effort to it. Here are some deeds you can do that will make a great impact on your health and the environment. The majority of the tips will also save you some money. We as a community and as a nation, can stop water abuse.
These are the many areas in your everyday life that affect the way you use water, here are some ways that you can preserve our water supply:
Ways to Specifically Help Any River System:
The "Friends of the Chicago River" proposed many ways to help the Chicago River, these actions can be applied to any other river system:
- Volunteer with organizations that preserve and restore natural areas, including the removal of invasive species and the replanting of native species.
- Support Sediment clean-up efforts and ban the consumption of river fish. Reduce non-point source pollution.
- Limit your use of chemical fertilizers and support the proper disposal of livestock and pet wastes.
- Volunteer to restore natural areas , create rooftop gardens/rain gardens. Reduce water usage in your home, especially during storm events, which help out as well.
- Reduce runoff rates by deploying rain barrels or disconnecting your downspouts whenever possible. Volunteer with organizations that plant native vegetation in order to stabilize riverbanks.
- Support programs that remove dams wherever possible, or install fish ladders/weirs to allow fish to migrate around dams.
- Support the on-going development of the river walk, encourage the city locals and officials to improve river access and organize community tours of the river.
- Teach about the true Chicago River. Encourage people to be aware about the river and how their actions impact the river.