Enjoy Environmentally Friendly Recreation

Maryland marine construction company, Greg’s Marine, shares information on taking a “green” environmentally sound  water friendly vacation. 

Chances are unless "green" is your mantra, you may have not given much thought to sports and recreational activities that are environmentally friendly in nature. There are ways to enjoy some downtime in Maryland and protect the planet simultaneously.

* Beachside excursions: A trip to the water's edge is a relaxing and rejuvenating recreational activity. However, the world's waterways are continually under attack from trash, microscopic bacteria and other contaminants. While many of these contaminants leach into the waters via drainage systems or public water supplies, peak vacation season at the seaside can also contribute. If you are visiting the beach, be mindful of your litter, including cigarette butts, plastic bottles, foil, baggies, etc. Seeming innocuous items can wreak havoc on marine life, suffocating them or compromising internal organs if ingested. Also think twice about pets sharing the beach. Man's best friend is a good companion, however, his feces, if left on the beach, can promote dangerous bacteria and some parasites, such as hookworm, which multiply in warm, moist conditions and where waste is present.

* Boating: If you will be traveling the nation's waterways, consider doing so in a wind-, water- or human-powered vessel. Sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and the like are emission-free ways to navigate the Southern Maryland waters. If you must use an engine, investigate ones with an eco-friendly generator that puts the boat on auto-pilot, helping to cut back on fuel consumption and pollution.

* Fishing: Reeling in your catch and cooking it for dinner is an environmentally responsible recreational activity. But fishing green can be foiled if you don't learn about the species for which you are angling. Find out the appropriate size, habitat and feeding preferences of your chosen fish. This way you avoid by-catch, reeling in some other marine life by accident. Also, you want to toss back fish that are not of adequate size so that you ensure populations of species can continue to breed.

* Swimming: You may want to skip the chemical-laden swimming pool for one of nature's natural watering holes. Provided the water is clear and safe, you can dive into lakes, rivers or oceans. Seek out a hot spring and you can turn your swimming adventure into a therapeutic one.