Save a Dolphin: Quit Dumping in the Sewers

At a time when most of us (other than Kevin Costner) feel helpless and can't do anything to protect or fix the oil-filled waters south of our country, it's a sad and frustrating time. So much destruction to marine life and the once beautiful coastlines are filling up with sludge. And what's worse is there are no immediate answers to when and how this will be remedied.

My question is, "How can I, a Midwestern mother of young children, make a difference with this disaster?" Other than donating money, there is little I can do in the Gulf, but then why not take this opportunity to encourage our local kids and families to protect our local water. Show them the importance of preservation and how certain mindless acts here in Kansas City can affect the Eco-system.

Did you realize anything which goes down the storm drainage systems at the end of your block (you know that hole in the curb that gets clogged up with leaves in the Fall) is absolutely unfiltered and dumped directly into our local streams and creeks? Which then feed into rivers and where do those go...the Gulf! (Well, maybe not all of them, but you get the picture!)

So my part in this national disaster is to inform my readers of the things that are harmful to our waters and the wildlife who live in and around it. Baby deer drink out of these creeks!!! We are poisoning Bambi! THE INHUMANITY OF IT ALL!! (Stepping off soap-box and returning to computer.)

Here is what my husband and I have noticed being dumped down storm drains in our city:

Old paint

Turpentine

Anti-freeze

Washing cars in driveway with toxic soaps

Oil from cars (now come on...we have enough of that already in the Gulf!)

Trash

Leaves

Grass clippings

Most of us are good about the first items, but I could just stop my car and scream at the yard services (who SHOULD know better) who blow yard clippings into the street so they can save themselves an extra step. The clippings are good for the yard anyway; so turn your blower around and save a fish from the fertilizer that is stuck to the grass you are sending their way. (How did I get up on this box again?)

My final plea is to ask your yard service not to do this and educate your teen children who are making a buck or two mowing yards this summer to be aware of the damage. Us Mid-westerners can make a difference in the Gulf right from our own front yards!

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