9 Ways You Can Help Save the Rivers

River Conservation Tips

Humanity was successful thanks to rivers like the Tigris and Euphrates, so treating them the same way we would treat a respected elder should be expected even without considering how important they still are today for many of the same purposes. These simple ideas are a great way to help keep our rivers alive through water conservation and a bit of environmental friendliness.

Use Biodegradable Cleaning Products

Pick your soaps for biodegradability whenever possible. All of the cleaning products will run through your plumbing when they wash down the drain, and that’s why you can expect a fifty-story tall mutated lizard sometime soon. Research the product before you make the switch since many of them have at best a tenuous right to claim the title.

Plant a Tree

The root systems of plants cling to the surrounding soil and create stability. reducing the amount of dirt that runs into rivers and gums up the works. Trees have some of the widest and deepest roots of all flora, and they help with greenhouse gas emissions to boot. Just make sure to plant a species that can handle your biome.

Sweep Patios and Sidewalks Rather than Using the Hose

Because of water’s amazing solvent properties, we use it for cleaning tasks all around the house. When scrubbing something clean, such as dishes or your teeth, rely more on physical action than a constant stream of water to break up your dinner.

Volunteer for a Stream Clean-up or Wetland Restoration Event

If you’re struggling to come up with ways to help but have an excess of time and energy, just do a quick search online for conservation groups in your local area. Most of them would be more than happy to have an extra pair of hands, even if just for one day a year.

Limit Pesticide Use

Chemical sprays are typically water soluble. When you use these death-dealing substances on your garden or lawn, the runoff can seep into the ground and spoil aquifers or nearby rivers. The water treatment plants may stop these substances from doing harm to people, but the rivers and their inhabitants aren’t so lucky.

Educate through Exposure (and Have Some Fun!)

Go on a walk by a local river or nature preserve with an unwilling friend in tow. Although agoraphobia seems rampant these days, a little time in nature makes it harder for people to ignore its existence when you start discussing the rate of lost landscapes thanks to the environmental damage these days. People protect things they care about.

Fix Leaky Faucets

Out of necessity for the survival of our noisy children, we have the capability to tune out aggravating and persistent sounds. Don’t let your instincts rule your mind, and pay attention to the sounds coming out of your plumbing. A leaky faucet can contribute several gallons a month to the amount of water your household wastes.

Use Social Media to Spread the Word

Put that horde of followers you’ve carefully cultivated through witty one-liners and topical humor to use on behalf of the planet. All you have to do is link to helpful or informative articles (like this one!) with a few words and appropriate formatting. If you’re on Facebook, all you have to do is paste the link and submit the post, and the site generates a handy picture and synopsis of the link. What could be easier?

Mad River Boat Trips

All of the above ideas can be done with a minimal amount of effort, but you can always do more if you would like. For now, reward all that thinking about conservation you did with a whitewater rafting adventure or relaxing float down Snake River.