March for Clean Water: Action you can take

Kerry Williams
, 23 October 2024
March for Clean Water: Action you can take
River © Jack Perks

By Kerry Williams

Communications Officer - Conservation

Sussex Wildlife Trust is asking you to join us at the March for Clean Water on Sunday 3rd November to demand action is taken by the UK government to clean up our waterways. Can’t make the march in person but want to support the cause? Here are some actions you can take to protect our rivers and seas.

Keep pets out of waterways

Pet flea treatments by their very nature are toxic, often containing the same neonicotinoids used in banned bee-killing pesticides. When your dog jumps in a river, any treatment on their coats leaches into the watercourse, causing harm to wildlife and damaging river health. They can even enter the system from owners washing hands after application. There is a call for more readily available treatment alternatives and veterinary advice, but an easy one is keeping your pets out of the water.

Take your litter home

Even the most diligent of disposals can end up in our waterways. Litter bins become full and can overflow, their contents then blowing or washing into our rivers and oceans. Taking your litter home with you helps to avoid this happening. If a rogue crisp packet pocket grosses you out, invest in a little reusable zip-up bag to store it until home.

Reduce plastic

Plastic is a well-known threat to the environment, causing damage to our land, water and wildlife. Although it’s great to recycle, it’s even better to reduce the amount of plastic we use in the first place. Plastic can enter waterways through the stealthiest of means, for example via synthetic clothing materials shedding microplastics in the washing machine, so check out labels before you buy.

Think before you flush

Sometimes it’s hard to connect our little day-to-day indoor actions with the environment, and some of those happen several times a day! Waste flushed down toilets can end up polluting our water, so ensure you only flush the three P’s; pee, poo and paper. Wipes, sanitary products, and anything else you dispose of in the bathroom should go in the bin.

Write to your MP

This campaign puts pressure on the Government to clean up our waterways, and you can do the same by writing to your MP. If you’re a swimmer, sick of polluted seas, tell them. If you’re a bird watcher, exasperated by images of injured wildlife, tell them. If you’re a parent, wanting cleaner water for your kids to play in, tell them. Every voice supports the cause, not just the loud ones.

Share #floodthestreets on social media and keep an eye on the March for Clean Water website for updates.
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