Darren Robinson
Stay 'Green and Clean' on the water
Little Shuswap Lake
By Steve Fennell
Aqua Fab-Starbrite
Aqua Fab1 Fabric & Vinyl Cleaner (above left)
Biodegradable while tough on dirt, the Aqua Fab1 Fabric and Vinyl cleaner from eshine.ca is designed to instantly clean grime, stains or other messes that commonly forms on vinyl, canvas, rugs, or leather on board your boat. According to the company, Aqua Fab1 can also clean sails (as it can be used on Dacron, nylon, Kevlar and cotton) and is available in one-litre bottles.
Starbrite Sea Safe Boat Wash (above right)
The Sea Safe Boat Wash can be used in fresh or salt water environments and consists of a concentrated, “low-sudsing” formula that can clean dirt, grease, oil or salt on fiberglass, metal, plastic, glass, rubber, and painted surfaces. To use, simply add three capfuls of the solution to a bucket of water, apply with a deck brush or sponge, then rinse. According to Star brite, the Safe Boat Wash won’t leave film streaks or remove wax or polish.
Dr. Bonner’s Pure-Castile Bar Soaps
Dr. Bonner’s Pure-Castile Bar Soaps
When a soap manufacturer utilizes 100 percent post-consumer recycling practices for its range of eco-friendly personal products, you know it takes the environment seriously. Dr. Bonner’s biodegradable Pure-Castile Bar Soaps is just one line in its series of lake-friendly products. Perfect for washing your body, face or hair, the soaps have a series of natural, organic ingredients such as coconut oil, palm oil, water, olive oil, and hemp oil. The soaps are also available in many scents and the company says they provide a smooth, soft lather that won't dry your skin or hair .
Wash Safe Canada Oxy All Wood Wash
Wash Safe Canada Oxy All Wood Wash
Wash Safe Canada's Oxy All Wood Wash is formulated to clean mold, mildew and grey UV-damage on natural wood surfaces. Ideal for cottagers and boaters, the company explains The Oxy All Wood Wash can be used on outdoor furniture, decks, docks, boat teak, and even log homes. With its hydrogen-peroxide-based formula (which is a green alternative to bleach or TSP-based toxic cleaners) and natural wood brighteners, the solution is said to simply loosen dirt, mold, mildew and fungus, providing a fresh, new look. Simply dissolve the powder in warm water, allow it to perc for 15 minutes, spray on the wood, lightly brush the surface, then rinse with a garden hose. The Oxy All Wood Wash is manufactured in Canada.
http://greencleaningproducts.ca
Campsuds-Bilge Cleaner
Sierra Dawn Campsuds with Citronella, Lavender & Peppermint Oil Body Soap (above left)
Formulated to wash your body, face and hair – and even clothes and dishes should the need arise – Campsuds with Citronella, Lavender & Peppermint Oil Body Soap is a concentrated, completely biodegradable cleaning solution made with natural vegetable-derived ingredients. It’s available in peppermint or lavender oil fragrances and can also deter insects while you bathe. Its available in four- and eight-ounce sizes.
Bio-Kleen Bilge Cleaner (above right)
Ensure a fresh bilge with a clean conscience with Bio-Kleen’s environmentally-friendly Bilge Cleaner. According to the company, the formula consists of a biodegradable, non-toxic, cleaner degreaser and is designed to dissolve sludge or soils. In addition to containing a quaternary sanitizer to keep your bilge fresh (and deters the growth of invasive species’ eggs), it’s non-corrosive to metals, providing an ideal cleaning solution for onboard metal components.
A Few Good Practises to Stay Green
According to The Georgia Strait Alliance’s Clean Marine BC Guide to Green Boating, here are a few added tips to ensure you stay as eco-friendly as possible on the lake this season.
- Always read labels and look for non-toxic, chlorine-free, phosphate-free products. Use the “Eco Logo” symbol as a guide to less harmful products.
- Keep your boat waxed and always wash your boat with fresh water and a brush.
- Only use a soft brush or cloth when cleaning your hull while its in the water. This prevents the release of toxic paint into the environment.
- Be prepared. Always have absorbent pads or rags on hand to contain spills.
Plus…
- Many remote areas do not have garbage facilities, so plan to bring back everything you take with you.
- Eliminate as much waste as possible before you embark, such as removing excess packaging.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle—and compost. Bring a sealed container to store your compost waste.