Groundwater Protection:
Kids Style
Even with all of the contamination threats to groundwater, it CAN be protected by kids just like you who care about the water they drink. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Investigate your home for products (paints, cleaners, etc.) that could contaminate the groundwater if they were poured down the drain or dumped on the ground outside. Mark all these containers as dangerous so family members will be aware to use these products wisely, or set them aside for donation at the next "household hazardous waste collection day" in your community (see idea number four).
- Tell others about how hazardous products can contaminate the groundwater when thrown into the trash. Instead of pouring chemicals down the drain, use them up so there is only a container remaining. Recycle the container if possible.
- Begin using environmentally friendly products instead of hazardous ones. Visit your local library or bookstore to find recipes for homemade cleaners using harmless ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.
- Encourage your local health department to sponsor a hazardous waste collection day in your neighborhood. These types of events allow community members to bring in their old paint, motor oil and harmful chemicals to have them disposed of properly. Assist in promoting the event by volunteering to stuff mailers or post signs.
- Design a series of posters to hang in your community that display educational messages about groundwater protection. Ask a local grocery store, library, school, or department store to display them.
- Team up with your teacher and classmates and complete a community service project or host a school-wide groundwater education day.
- Remember, every little thing you do DOES make a difference!
