These simple actions can make a big difference for our local environment

After the busy and exciting holiday season, you find yourself at the beginning of a new year. Maybe you’ve already made progress on your new resolutions (amazing!), maybe you debated some goals but are hesitant to get started (no judgment here), or maybe you just never really bought into the whole “New Year’s resolutions” thing. However you feel about this new year tradition, we got your back!

We know resolutions can be hard, so let’s reflect on how we can contribute to our common goal: restoring the Potomac River to full health in our lifetime! Here are five simple ways you can resolve to make a tangible difference for our beloved hometown river in 2023.

Level up your plastics recycling game

Photo by timothy j via flickr (CC BY 2.0)

One of the best ways we can cut down on litter in our waterways is to limit using and purchasing single-use plastics. But let’s face it: plastic is almost impossible to avoid. So, in addition to grabbing your reusable bags when you head to the stores, level up your recycling game starting with plastic film products.

Plastic film is soft, flexible polyethylene (PE) packaging such as grocery, bread, zip-top, and dry cleaning bags. It’s also the wrap around many products including paper plates, napkins, bathroom tissue, diapers, and more. It is pretty much ubiquitous, although the good news is, plastic film can be recycled! But, there’s a catch. It needs to be clean and dry, and instead of tossing it into your recycling bin, plastic film needs to be dropped off at a participating location.

💡 Find your nearest site (which may very well be your closest grocery store!) by using this handy search tool!

2. Participate in a local cleanup event

We can and should commit to reducing plastic use, but sadly, plenty of litter remains in and around the Potomac River. In 2022 alone, our volunteers removed 18,340 pounds of trash from local shorelines. The mix of food packaging, plastic bags, tires, and beverage bottles that are commonly found can’t be fully explained by litterbugs. In fact, most litter is carried into local waterways through polluted runoff — excess rainwater that flows off streets and impervious surfaces and into our streams and drains. Litter is not only a nuisance to local wildlife, it pollutes the Potomac (the DMV’s source of drinking water) with toxins and microplastics.

Join one of our upcoming river cleanups to prevent litter from polluting the source of our drinking water, or perhaps organize one yourself!

Getting involved in an impactful community event like a shoreline cleanup makes a tangible difference for our local environment, but there are plenty of bonus benefits too. Volunteering is a fun way to experience something new, get active outside, build relationships with local community members, and make new friends. A win-win-win!

3. Plant trees and locally-evolved plants—or help us collect seeds for these plantings!

If you have a yard, you can plant locally-evolved trees, shrubs, or flowers this spring. Unlike a bare grass lawn, native plants have deeper roots that improve groundwater filtration and absorption. They also provide food and habitat for animals and insects, including pollinators.

If you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry! Locally-evolved plants typically require less upkeep, making it easier to have a beautiful and river-friendly garden. A tree-filled neighborhood also improves air quality and creates a cooling effect, making trees critical in the midst of the climate crisis.

No yard? No problem! You can help strengthen the defenses of local waterways by collecting seeds to help create future forests in the Potomac region! Our seed-collecting initiative Tomorrow’s Trees relies on volunteers to support local reforestation efforts. Sign up to receive alerts and learn about upcoming events!

4. Advocate for river protections

Whether on a city, state, or federal level, advocating for river-friendly policies makes a huge difference for the water we drink and our local environment.

Some of the greatest wins for the Potomac River last year have been supported by community advocacy, including the Climate Solutions Now Act that was passed in Maryland in June 2022. This landmark legislation calls for the state to reduce CO2 emissions by 60% by 2031 and to reach carbon neutrality by 2045.

Grassroots advocacy fuels Potomac Conservancy’s work. Without it, restoring the Potomac River to full health would be mission impossible. To get involved this year, sign up to receive our email alerts, and you’ll be the first one to know when there’s an opportunity to stand up for important clean water policies.

5. Get to know the Potomac River region

While cleaning up trash, becoming a seed and tree warrior, and advocating for clean water policies are all incredibly impactful for the health of the Potomac, it’s equally important to take time for yourself. Remember to take breaks throughout the year, and give yourself the opportunity to experience firsthand the beauty and restorative power of our beautiful river. No matter what you’re drawn to, the Potomac has plenty to offer (and, if you’re like us, you’ll be excited to take part in all these activities):

🔎 Do you love exploring? Take some time this year to visit a new park in the area or try a new activity. How about ghost hunting at Point Lookout State Park or Harpers Ferry, or bird watching along the C&O Canal?

🧗‍♀️ Itching to get outside and move? Enjoy walking, running, rock climbing, or cycling along the river. There is also plenty to do on the water! Soak up the river’s scenery on a standup paddle board, canoe, or kayak.

(P.S. Did you know the Potomac is a training course for Olympic athletes? Hear for yourself from local whitewater legends Ashley Nee and Risa Shimoda.)

🌊 Want to learn more about the river itself? As home to the Nation’s capital, the Potomac region is quite storied with history. Learn more about the river’s impact on local communities throughout time, its connection to the economy, and its relationship with local wildlife.

Don’t stop there—knowledge is power! In addition to learning more about the Potomac’s history, find out how exactly the Potomac region is impacted by the global climate crisis and how we can be a part of the solution.

Spending time outdoors and nourishing your mind is crucial for our wellbeing. It prevents feelings of burnout and allows us to recharge, making sure we have enough energy to make an impact in our community. So, no matter how busy your schedule is this year, don’t forget to dedicate time to rejuvenate your spirits—you deserve it!

Restoring the Potomac River to full health in our lifetime is a community-wide effort that will require all of us to contribute in our own unique ways. By working together and contributing individually, we can ensure the Potomac’s—and our own—future is bright. So pick the resolution that most spoke to you (if that’s not all of them) and have fun while making a difference!