BLeaflet | Issues 1 - 7

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FLOWING FORWARD: The Vital Role of Recreational Water We use the world’s rivers, lakes, and coastal waters for recreation in an abundance of ways. As the weather is getting warmer, we’re in or on the water swimming,

improve sleep. Further, it provides more accessible options for exercise, as water-based activities offer low-impact options. Overall, I think we can all agree it improves the human experience; I’m sure we can all think of a memory out on the water that we hold near and dear to us ( please reply to this email and share if you feel inclined! ). This is why it’s important to maintain the condition of our recreational waters--so we can keep enjoying this precious resource.

boating, fishing, kayaking, or surfing. Even when temperatures are chillier, year-round activities that are enhanced by being close to water include hiking, nature viewing, or hunting waterfowl. Health benefits of participating in these activities include physical fitness, stress reduction, and increased social connection, and can potentially strengthen your immune system and

MAKING WAVES: A How-To On How to Host Your Own Cleanup

1. Select a location: Choose a water body in your community that needs cleaning. Consider factors such as accessibility, level of pollution, and permits required for cleanup activities. 2.Obtain permission: Contact local authorities, environmental agencies, or property owners to get permission to host a cleanup event in a chosen location. Ensure compliance with any regulations regarding waste disposal and public gatherings. 3.Grab your friends, family, co-workers!: Pick a date and send out an event invite (Facebook Events, Google/ Outlook Calendar are great communication tools). Arrange for transportation, parking and restroom facilities. 4. Gather supplies: • Trash bags (or extra plastic bags you have around the house) • Gloves • Grabbers, “litter pickers” (optional) • First Aid kit, hand sanitizers • Reusable water and/or hydration pack • A good pair of walking shoes (preferably those you don’t mind getting dirty!) • Sun protection (sunscreen, hat) • Bug protection (especially during summer months!) 5.Collect and Dispose of Waste: As volunteers gather litter and debris, designate collection points for trash bags and recyclables. Coordinate with local waste management authorities or recycling facilities for proper disposal or recycling of collected waste. Avoid disposing of hazardous materials or large items that require specialized removal. 6.Document and Celebrate: Capture photos and videos of the cleanup in action to share on social media (i.e. BL’s LinkedIn page) and raise awareness about water conservation efforts. You could even make it a competition to see who collected the most trash (hello, bragging rights!)

RIPPLE EFFECT: Volunteer Opportunities for Water Cleanup by Our Offices There are so many ways to get involved! Whether it’s picking up litter and debris along a river or coast, reporting on the water quality in your area to your local agency, or staying in-the-know by signing up for action alerts, here’s some local organizations and volunteer activities by office: • Meriden, CT • Baltimore, MD • Canton, OH

• Miami, FL • Nashville, TN • Norwood, MA • Orlando, FL • Philadelphia, PA • Pittsburgh, PA • Warwick, RI • Wilmington, NC • Connecticut Cleanups • General Volunteer Websites/Databases

• Charlotte, NC • Cherry Hill, NJ • Denver, CO • Harrisburgh, PA • Hartford, CT • Houston, TX • Melville, NY

This message is brought to you by the Sustainability Committee - Giving Back to the Earth.