Protecting Our Waterways
= Protecting Your Business
Our spectacular beaches and meandering waterways are more than just a habitat for a diverse range of animals and plants—and a great place for people to swim or fish—they’re a key selling point for tourists. Let’s protect them for generations to come.
Small Changes Today Can Preserve Our Waterways Tomorrow
While system-level changes are critical to protecting and preserving our waterways, there are a number of smaller ways you can support these efforts in your everyday life that are just as important.
Opt for reusable or recyclable materials
Whether it’s the office water cooler or the company lunch, choose containers and utensils that you can reuse or recycle. Single-use plastics and styrofoam are a major source of litter in our waterways.
Shucking oysters? Recycle those shells
Oyster shells can be recycled and used to support new oyster reefs that clean and filter our bays, provide habitat for many fish species, and yes, grow more oysters. Interested in recycling those shells? Contact us here for more information.
Reduce run-off by walking or videoconferencing
Cars and trucks leave trace amounts of oil, gas, and other chemicals on our roadways that eventually run off into our waterways. Look for ways to reduce transportation impacts from your business. Proper maintenance, carpooling, walking, and videoconferencing can add up over time!
Choose green infrastructure
When it’s time to replace your parking, roof, or other infrastructure, think about ways to reduce stormwater runoff in your business backyard with pervious pavements, swales, green roofs, and more!
Watch what you flush
Anything more than toilet paper and human waste should be put in the trash, not the toilet. This is especially important for “flushable wipes,” which can wreck havoc on our sewer systems. Sewer systems can clog and overflow, eventually polluting our waterways. That stinks…literally.
No fats, oils, or grease down the drain
Fats, oils, and grease can clog your sewer line, just like cholesterol can clog your arteries. Don’t pour them down the drain in your office kitchen or bathroom. Dispose of them in a sealed container, either in the trash or at a local disposal center.
Keep shorelines soft and “living”
Consider a natural or “living” shoreline instead of seawalls or bulkheads for waterfront property. These softer, more natural, shorelines filter stormwater runoff, absorb storm surge and reduce erosion, and provide habitat for estuary creatures and critters. Plus they’re cheaper and require less maintenance!
Be seagrass aware
Protect our marine nurseries. If you’re boating near the shore, educate your boat operators and renters to go slow and make sure your motor isn’t churning up mud or grass. Trim up to give sea life a chance.
Opt for reusable or recyclable materials
Whether it’s the office water cooler or the company lunch, choose containers and utensils that you can reuse or recycle. Single-use plastics and styrofoam are a major source of litter in our waterways.
Shucking oysters? Recycle those shells
Oyster shells can be recycled and used to support new oyster reefs that clean and filter our bays, provide habitat for many fish species, and yes, grow more oysters. Interested in recycling those shells? Contact us here for more information.
Reduce run-off by walking or videoconferencing
Cars and trucks leave trace amounts of oil, gas, and other chemicals on our roadways that eventually run off into our waterways. Look for ways to reduce transportation impacts from your business. Carpooling, walking, and videoconferencing can add up over time!
Choose green infrastructure
When it’s time to replace your parking, roof, or other infrastructure, think about ways to reduce stormwater runoff in your business backyard with pervious pavements, swales, green roofs, and more!
Watch what you flush
Anything more than toilet paper and human waste should be put in the trash, not the toilet. This means those “flushable wipes,” too. Sewer systems can clog and overflow, eventually polluting our waterways. That stinks…literally.
No fats, oils, or grease down the drain
Fats, oils, and grease can clog your sewer line, just like cholesterol can clog our arteries. Don’t pour them down the drain in your office kitchen or bathroom. Dispose of them in a sealed container, either in the trash or at a local disposal center.
Keep shorelines soft and “living”
Consider a natural or “living” shoreline instead of seawalls or bulkheads for waterfront property. These softer, more natural, shorelines filter stormwater runoff, absorb storm surge, and provide habitat for estuary creatures and critters. Plus they’re cheaper and require less maintenance!
Be seagrass aware
Protect our marine nurseries. If you’re boating near the shore, educate your boat operators and renters to go slow and make sure your motor isn’t churning up mud or grass. Trim up to give sea life a chance.
Let’s Make This Official
Pensacola & Perdido Bays Estuary Program could not do the critical work we do without dedicated partners like you. Please consider making a gift today and together we’ll protect and preserve our region’s estuaries for years to come.
Become an Estuary Advocate Today
Do your part to protect our waterways—and encourage your customers to do the same!
Sponsor an Event
From Brews For The Bays to our new fundraising gala coming next year, we’ve got a variety of event sponsorship opportunities to fit your organization.
Get Your Organization’s Name Out There—Literally
Sponsor an Estuary Explorer location to get your name out there in some of our region’s most beautiful spots.