Want to do something for the environment without having to spend a lot of time and money on it? Then climb aboard – aboard your own boat, that is.

There are literally dozens of ways that you can make your boating greener – and more enjoyable as well – at very little cost.

"You don't have to be a dedicated tree-hugger to make your vessel more environment-friendly," said Susan Shingledecker, director of environmental programs for the BoatUS Foundation. "Most of it is just plain old common sense."

Monitoring the products you use on your boat will keep harmful chemicals from flowing into waterways.Shingledecker's favorite first step is for boat owners to establish a new Captain's Rule on their vessels: "Nothing on this boat goes overboard."

Even apple cores should not be exempt, Shingledecker suggests. "Sure, apple cores and peach pits are biodegradable, but that doesn't mean they're going to disappear overnight," she said. "Besides, it's good practice. Once you get in the habit of not throwing anything over the side, you don't have to think about whether what you're tossing is permissible."

TAKING BASIC STEPS

Bob Miller, a retired college professor who lives in the small boating community of Oriental, North Carolina, says he tries to keep his 28-foot Sabre, Spindrift, as environment-friendly as he can – and generally succeeds, without a lot of time and trouble.

Not only does Miller follow Shingledecker's first rule – he doesn't let his crew toss trash or food overboard – but he powerwashes his boat occasionally to reduce the need for using detergents, and he keeps oil-absorbent pads in his bilge to soak up any excess water or sludge. "When there's water in the bilge," he said, "I sponge it out."

BOB MILLERBob Miller keeps Spindrift environmentally sound with simple, inexpensive measures.Stan Szczyko, a sailboater and powerboater in Bayfield, Wisconsin, funnels the gray water on his boat (the residue from sinks, shower and bilges) into a special recovery tank that he pumps out at the marina when he empties the holding-tank for his marine head.

Both men say they take the extra trouble because they've realized how delicate U.S. coastal and watershed areas have become and they want to help keep them from deteriorating further.

"Pamlico Sound, where I sail, isn't a real open system, so even releasing biodegradable materials into the water can introduce too much nitrogen and phosphate and you get excessive algae," Miller said.

REDUCE, RE-USE, RECYCLE

Running a green vessel comes down to developing good habits when conducting basic maintenance like cleaning, pumping out and fueling. In most cases, taking steps toward cleaner boating is not expensive – and its usually good for the boat, as well as the water around it. Here are some suggestions, culled from organizations including BoatUS, the Coast Guard, the American Boating Association, the California Coastal Commission and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Keep your boat clean. Rinse it with fresh water after every trip, and wash it often, to avoid having to use harsh detergents later to get rid of caked-on dirt and salt. Use mild, biodegradable boat soap, not those that contain toxic ingredients such as chlorine, phosphates and ammonia, which hurt fish. Wax your boat for extra protection. Conserve water by attaching a spray nozzle to your hose. Keep your engine clean to make it easier to spot leaks. Line your bilge with oil-absorbent pads to soak up excess water and oil and replace them when needed, placing used pads in double plastic bags. Do heavy cleaning and maintenance jobs while your boat is out of the water.