Protect Our Watershed
Protect Our Watershed
Why?
Everyone lives in a watershed. Protecting its condition is important to everyone and everything that uses and needs water. Healthy watersheds not only filter and provide clean drinking water. They enhance nutrient cycling, carbon storage, fisheries, and outdoor recreation. As a river town, Petaluma is fortunate to have a wetland. But wetlands today are disappearing at a rate three times faster than forested areas. In the face of today’s extreme weather, restoring and conserving our remaining wetlands in Sonoma County is critical.
Don’t put toxins down the drain
Out of sight, out of mind? Not so fast. Before you pour something down the drain, consider where it will end up. Everything from medication and toxic cleaning supplies to oil and paint can end up in our watershed, polluting water and harming wildlife. Long-term effects from some substances may include mutations in animals, a decrease in insect populations, and destruction of natural resources.
A logical place to start is to choose non-toxic materials, such as phosphate-free, biodegradable detergents. Then, share leftover products and safely dispose of household hazardous waste.
US EPA: What Do You Do With Household Chemicals?
MLI Environmental: Negative Effects of Pouring Chemicals Down the Drain
Safe Medicine Disposal Program: Drop-Off Locations
Zero Waste Sonoma: Common Examples of Household Hazardous Waste
The Atlantic: Are Wet Wipes Wrecking the World’s Sewers?
Make your own non-toxic cleaning supplies: Many cleaning supplies can irritate your eyes or throat or cause headaches and other health problems. Some products release dangerous chemicals that vaporize at room temperature and worsen respiratory problems. Many wash into streams and rivers, persisting in the environment and entering food chains. Protect the health of your family and the environment by making your own cleaning supplies, using a variety of safe, simple recipes.
American Lung Association: Safer Cleaning Recipes
EPA: Identifying Greener Cleaning Products
Daily Acts: Green Your Spring Clean!
Avoid toxins outside
Pesticides are certainly a big source of outdoor toxins, but they’re not the only culprit. Chances are you’ve used one or more of the following in your yard or garage: kerosene or lamp oil, glues, motor oil, paint thinners, solvents, propane, or wood finishes. Recology and Zero Waste Sonoma are your go-to sources for learning how to handle these kinds of hazardous waste.
Zero Waste Sonoma: Common Examples of Household Hazardous Waste
Recology Sonoma Marin: Hazardous & Electronic Waste
Ecomena: 8 Eco-Friendly Ways To Wash Your Car
Volunteer for watershed cleanups
You’ve done what you can at the source – on the home front. Now consider dipping your toe into a new activity: a watershed cleanup. Check with Friends of the Petaluma River and Redwood Empire Trout Unlimited for opportunities to clean the creeks flowing into our slough -- the Petaluma River -- as well as the River itself.
Friends of the Petaluma River: Adopt a Creek and Events
Redwood Empire Trout Unlimited: Local River Cleanups
Learn about our wetlands
An area of land saturated by water, wetlands serve a multitude of roles – filtering water, providing erosion control, and furnishing food and homes for fish and wildlife. During periods of excessive rain, they also help absorb water and control flooding. And that’s just a sample of the gifts they provide.
Our riverine wetland is at the heart of our City and needs our attention. To learn about our local wetlands, visit the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance website and the other resources below.
National Ocean Service: What is a wetland?
EPA: Wetlands Protection and Restoration
Petaluma Wetlands Alliance website
Sonoma County Water Agency: Stream Maintenance Program
