We have to use cleaners to keep our boats in top shape but many people may not be aware how much damage chemical-based products can have on the marine environment.

There are a number of ways cleaners loaded with chemicals impact on the marine environment. Detergents containing phosphates can cause local oxygen depletion, which may result in the suffocation of aquatic life. Degreasers, regularly used on boats, can dry the natural oils fish need for their gills to take in oxygen.
Cleaning products used on boat hulls, decks and other places on a boat may contain chlorine, ammonia, potassium hydroxide and solvents. All of these can harm the aquatic environment and most chemical-based cleaning products contain chemicals which disrupt the reproductive cycle of fish.
Avoiding detergents that contain ammonia, bleach, sodium hypochlorite and petroleum products will help the environment. These chemicals can be toxic to marine life. They can harm and kill plants and animals in the water.
It's worth becoming aware which ingredients are in cleaning products. There are ‘green' alternatives, which are effective for cleaning boats and don't contain large amounts of chemicals. Many eco-friendly products are non-toxic, non-corrosive and 100 per cent biodegradable. These are readily available. A search on the internet reveals a wide range of products and local suppliers.
There are also many options available to boaties to replace regular chemical-based cleaners. Here are some ideas to start the green clean.
* Replace scouring powders with baking soda or salt.
* Instead of flour cleaner, use a quarter of a cup of white vinegar diluted in two litres of water.
* Exchange the head cleaner with a brush and baking soda.
* Remove mildew by using a paste mixed up of equal parts lemon juice and salt.
* Instead of using a fibreglass stain remover, use baking soda paste.
It is best to clean boats on-shore, where possible. This will reduce run-off of cleaning products into the water. Another green cleaning method is reusing cloths, such as old clothes and towels, rather than disposable paper towels.
The alternatives to chemical-based cleaners can sometimes mean a bit more elbow grease but they also mean a cleaner, safer marine environment.