What can people do now to help Puget Sound

Citizen action is essential to successfully recovering Puget Sound. The good news is that when educated about the serious problems facing Puget Sound, citizens are more willing to make lifestyle changes and support public policies that will make a difference.

The Partnership believes the daily involvement of thousands of citizens doing many small and big things to save Puget Sound will make a dramatic difference.

The Partnership is working with agencies and groups across Puget Sound to help get the word out about the simple things average citizens can do to make a difference in their area of the Sound. If you want to be a part of the solution, here are some easy ways to get involved.

Fix up!

Get involved on the ground with restoration, protection and outreach projects in your area of Puget Sound. There are hundreds of organizations that need your help. Visit www.psp.wa.gov/econet.php to learn more about ECO Network, and how to connect with a group in your area.

Soak up!

For centuries the land of this area has acted as a natural sponge, soaking up and filtering out harmful or toxic particles being carried by surface water before reaching the Sound. Pavement and pipes that carry unfiltered water directly into Puget Sound are destroying this essential service. Do your part to increase the soaking ability of our land by increasing rain gardens, pervious surfaces, and native plants, and reducing pavement, large areas of grass, and clear cutting of trees.

Clean up!

The number one contributor to the decline in Puget Sound health is the harmful and toxic chemicals we add to the water running into Puget Sound through everyday activities. We need to clean up our act and therefore clean up the waters of Puget Sound. Some easy steps you can take to clean things up include:

Vehicle Operations
What comes off and out of your car makes its way into Puget Sound.

• Drive less.
• Check for leaks.
• Use substitute for copper brake pads.
• Ask for steel tire weights instead of lead.

Fertilizers & Herbicides
What does not get used up by plants makes its way into Puget Sound.

• Pull and smother weeds instead of spraying.
• Follow package directions exactly.
• Improve soil.
• Use native plants.

Car Washing
What products (soaps, waxes, cleaners) you use wash into Puget Sound.

• Use commercial car washes.
• Wash on pervious surfaces such as a lawn.
• Use car wash kits for charity car washes.

Pet Waste
What is left on the lawn will be washed into Puget Sound.

• Scoop your poop and put it in the trash.

Household Products/Chemicals
What goes down your sink, toilets and drains makes its way into Puget Sound.

• Choose least-toxic alternatives for household cleaners.
• Use more elbow grease, fewer chemicals.
• Use your local waste facility to dispose of chemicals properly.

Septic Systems
What a septic system cannot handle makes its way into Puget Sound.

• Maintain your septic system.
• Do not overuse or abuse its abilities (toilet paper only).
• Fix failing septic systems.

Banner photo courtesy of FunnyFence, L.Feist, Puget Sound "Silent Crisis" Flickr Group