By: Noelle Lambert
April’s Charity of the Month is:
Operation S.P.L.A.S.H.
In honor of Earth Day, an annual event celebrated on April 22nd, which brings awareness about environmental conservation, I chose an eco-friendly non-profit on Long Island that strives to help conserve our island.
Operation S.P.L.A.S.H. is a non-profit volunteer ran organization that is committed to improving the quality of life on Long Island Shores. Their mission is to provide a low cost solution to the growing problem of waterfront pollution through public awareness, community action and your participation. S.P.L.A.S.H. stands for Stop Polluting, Littering and Save Harbors.
This organization holds Beach, Bay and Waterway Clean-Ups and operates several other projects such as Street Storm Drains, Ocean-Bay Water Exchange, No Wake Zones, Clean Marina Program, Youth Education Programs and more.
They have successfully rescued 2,498,267 pounds of trash from our waters! Also, aside from collecting trash they also have had an amazing impact on the amount of sewage being dumped in our bays. To reduce the flow of trash into our bays, they have collaborated on the funding and installation of more than 4,000 street storm drain inserts in Nassau County.
Operation S.P.L.A.S.H. works diligently to partner with industry businesses, non-profits, government agencies and academic institution’s striving to promote comprehensive understanding of local water quality issues, through hands-on training, identification and problem solving.
Operation S.P.L.A.S.H. offers the following Boat Cleaning Tips, that I felt were worthy of publishing!
Products used to wash boat hull sand decks often contain toxic ingredients such as chlorine, phosphates and ammonia. Degreasers dry the natural oils fish need for their gills to take in oxygen. For boats that are in the water, use cleaning methods that prevent or contain the release of pollutants to surface waters.
Below are a few actions you can take:
1) When possible, remove the boat from the water and perform cleaning where debris can be captured and properly disposed.
2) Use fresh water to clean your boat after every use.
3) Use environmentally friendly cleaning methods and products.
Here are a list of a few alternatives to toxic products:
Elbow Grease, Hydogen Peroxide, Baking Soda, Salt, Apple Cider Vinegar, Baby Oil.
If you would like a full list of alternatives, please feel free to call them at (516) 378-4770.
Additionally, if you would like to volunteer with or donate to Operation S.P.L.A.SH. you can. The following volunteer positions are available: Boat Crew Members and Boat Maintenance and Repair Members. Donations are needed for Fuel, Insurance, Clean-Up Supplies and Boat Maintenance.
Another Organization You Can Get Involved With:
PBS Community Foundation
www.PBSCommunityFoundation.org
The Positive Behavior Support Community Foundation empowers people with disabilities to make their own life choices and succeed in the communities where they work, live and play. They are holding a family fun event called CosPlay-My Way! at Heckscher State Park at Field 3 on May 18th from 1-5PM. There will be a CosPlay activity course, crafts and entertainment, special guests, raffles, prizes, snacks, drinks and lunch! For tickets, please go to their website or send a check for $25/person with attendees names to: PBSCF, P.O. Box 263, Greenlawn, NY 11740. There is no charge for children under the age of 5. Price does not include $8 per car entry fee to the park. Empire Pass/Access Pass will be accepted. The event will be held rain or shine!
If you would like your organization to be featured in this column, please email Noelle@SouthBaysNeighbor.com!
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