Even if you don't live near the coast, water—and anything else—that goes down your drain can eventually end up in the ocean. You can help keep the ocean and other waterways healthy by picking your cleaning products carefully. Many household chores can be done with simple, non-toxic ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice.

Visit Consumer Reports' Greener Choices page for suggestions or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Product Labeling Program to learn about store-bought products with fewer side effects.  Want to do more?  Explore five simples things you can do for the ocean.