The Ten Minute Activist
Easy Ways to Take Back the Planet
The Wicked P of the Elements
Ever seen a green lake? It may be the color of environmentalism, but a green lake is an unhealthy lake. In many cases, green lakes are a sign of phosphate pollution.
Phosphates become a problem when they enter waterways in excessive amounts; this usually results from human sources like farming or consumer products. Once in the water, excess phosphates endangers waterways, marshes, and lakes, usually by boosting algae growth. This, in turn, chokes bodies of water of oxygen, killing fish and water plants.
Even though many companies have stopped using phosphates, the average American still contributes three pounds per year of phosphate to the environment.
You can make a difference today. Two major phosphate-rich products you can avoid are fertilizers and laundry detergents. Many phosphate-free alternatives are available. For avid gardeners who must use fertilizer, you can use organic fertilizer rather than super-strength chemical fertilizer. Using a commercial car wash can also help keep phosphates in soap from getting into storm drains
Keep your life green, but not your lakes: purge the P from your home.
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