4 Easy Ecofriendly Lakefront Practices

Here at Waterfront Restoration, we value our natural environment. We utilize low-impact, eco-friendly weed removal practices that ensure a healthy and happy lakefront! Consequently, with our servicing, you will not only receive immediate and long-lasting results, but you will also leave a minimal environmental impact. Luckily, there are many great ways to support and protect the natural environment around you. By investing in sustainable products, reducing plastic usage, and utilizing environmentally friendly practices, we can make a great difference.

1.) Ecofriendly Fishing

When it comes to fishing, it is imperative we follow laws and regulations from the DNR. By downloading and utilizing mndnr.gov/fishing, you can stay up to date on regulations, and find helpful fishing tips and other valuable resources.

In addition to these rules and regulations, we can work to make our fishing practices even more environmentally responsible. First, investing in biodegradable lures ensures we are not polluting lakes with harmful plastics. Also, always use bait native to your lake and dispose of bait on land – never in the water body itself. This prevents non-native species from inhabiting and infesting lakes. 

2.) Ecofriendly Sunscreens

The sun’s ultraviolet rays do not take Minnesota summers lightly. That calls for sunscreen! But, how do we know if our sunscreen is safe for our natural life? Waterfront Restoration Watercraft Inspector and Operations Intern, Leah Sattler, studies the impacts of various sunscreen chemicals within our lakes.

Sattler explains that many sunscreens contain carcinogens that have been shown to negatively impact aquatic plant and animal health. At many beaches with reefs, regulations are enforced which prevent the usage of these sunscreens. “We don’t have any regulations about this in Minnesota, but our lakes are being harmed in the same way. To better protect our environment (and ourselves!), switch to mineral-based sunscreen! Avoid sunscreens that list oxybenzone & octocrylene under their ‘active ingredients’,” recommends Leah. 

Ecofriendly sunscreens include: Badger, Bare Republic, Sun Bum, Goddess Garden, and Surf Mud

3.) Rain Gardens

If you experience high concentrations of algae on your waterfront, your lawn fertilizers could play a large role in this. Therefore, nutrient pollution, excess phosphorus, and nitrogen from the runoff of fertilizers to our waterways cause uncontrolled growth of algae – algal blooms. 

If you choose to fertilize your lawn, consider planting a rain garden to inhibit the excess runoff of nutrients to your waterway. The Environmental Protection Agency defines a rain garden as a “depressed area in the landscape that collects rainwater from a roof, driveway or street and allows it to soak into the soil.” Not only will the implementation of an ecofriendly rain garden prevent algal blooms, but it will prevent flooding, increase home value, and create habitat for native species! Read more about rain garden benefits.

Rain gardens prevent run off in Minnesota summer rainstorms

4.) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Last but not least, one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep our waterways clean is to reduce, reuse, and recycle. In fact, by cutting back on single-use plastics, we eliminate most of the pollution found in our lakes, ponds, and rivers. For example, you can find creative ways to reuse trash! From bird feeders to sprinklers, the upcycling ideas are endless.

Our Promise

All in all, investing time and energy into protecting, conserving, and caring for our backyards helps promise years of outdoor enjoyment! We can help you achieve the lakefront you’ve worked so hard for. Call today to learn more about the Waterfront Restoration promise (952)356-0614.