Do you want to help our rivers but you have no free time to volunteer? Are you looking to change your lifestyle to become more environmentally friendly?
Well why not start now, and follow these 5 simple changes you can make in your day-to-day life which will massively benefit our local rivers and the wildlife that depends on them!
It will take all of us working together to have healthy rivers – this is our river and our responsibility.
Rubbish, no matter how small, can harm wildlife and cause blockages which can lead to flooding. Be sure to bin it every time.
Phosphates are a common ingredient in household cleaning products but they pollute our rivers and act as fertilisers, increasing weed growth. Switch to phosphate-free brands instead.
Wash less – only use washing machines and dishwashers when you have a full load. Turn the tap off whilst brushing your teeth.
Everything else should go in the bin (even wipes that claim to be flushable). Items that shouldn’t be flushed can stick together, block the sewer and enter our rivers.
Sinks, baths, toilets, washing machines and dishwashers should connect into the foul drain. Find out more here.
If you’ve got one, make sure it’s working properly, isn’t leaking and is emptied once a year to stop phosphates seeping into the ground. Find out more about how to look after your off mains sewage system at www.callofnature.info
Many of our drains lead directly into our rivers. Take them to your local household waste recycling centre.
If you see dead fish floating in the river, discoloured or smelly water, contact the Environment Agency hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
Invasive species can affect fish and other wildlife as well as blocking up our rivers and being costly to manage. Help to stop the spread of invaders by following the check, clean dry code.
Volunteer with Bristol Avon Rivers Trust and spread the word via social media and with your family and friends.