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Stepping Up for the Environment
Stepping Up for the Environment
Things we do every day affect the health of our environment and the quality of lakes, rivers, and groundwater that become our drinking water.
Stepping up for the environment can help to keep water clean for everyone to drink. Learn more about water quality and how we can protect it.
Our environment is made up of the air, water, minerals, plants, and animals that surround us. Everything in our environment is interconnected and even you contribute to the health of the environment by being a part of it! Our drinking water, too, starts off as part of our natural environment. It begins as water in lakes, rivers, or groundwater.
Our everyday actions impact the environment and our drinking water. Pollution and overuse of fertilizers release harmful contaminants into our waterways. These contaminants may end up in our drinking water.
- If everyone in Michigan pollutes even just a little, it becomes a big problem.
- If everyone in Michigan steps up for the environment, even just a little, it can have a big impact on the health of our environment and quality of our drinking water.
Stepping up for the environment includes:
- Minimizing behaviors that could be harmful to the environment or to our drinking water.
- Engaging in behaviors that help protect and restore the environment.
Did you know...
A person who steps up for the environment by protecting it and using natural resources responsibly is sometimes referred to as an environmental steward.
Stepping up for the environment means that you are doing environmental stewardship.
There are easy ways that you can step up for your environment at home and within your community:
- The Michigan Water Stewardship Program has highlighted easy actions we can do every day to help protect our water.
- EGLE Classroom is a platform that houses information for developing environmental stewardship.
- Sign up to become a Michigan Clean Water Ambassador!
- Volunteer your time. Many groups host river clean ups or other stewardship events. Check with your local universities and schools, or your local watershed council for opportunities to participate!
- Attend a local Department of Natural Resources stewardship workday.
- Contact your local leaders to learn more about stewardship opportunities within your community.
- Organize your own community event. Grab a group of friends and plan your own stewardship day.
To stay up to date with current resources and opportunities being offered through the program, subscribe to the Drinking Water and Health newsletter.
If you have questions, please contact the MDHHS Drinking Water Hotline at 844-934-1315.