- And now that we know how plastics
and other harmful pollutants get into our waterways,
let's think about how we can make a positive impact
on our environment.
There are a lot of different ways that we can help this park
and our waterways stay clean and healthy.
- Right, for example, we can pick up litter
and throw things away appropriately.
That way they won't go down the storm drain
and eventually into our rivers.
- Yes. And diverting water from CSOs is also important.
So for example, green spaces like gardens.
They act like a sponge and they can absorb
that extra rain water, and keep it from going
into our sewer system,
which then helps to keep plastic pollution
from entering our waterways.
- Conserving water and trying not to shower
when it's raining will prevent untreated water
from entering into our river.
We can all do our part to conserve the environment.
- We are here in the Habitat Garden
between the Hudson River estuary and the highway.
This garden is full of native plants,
meaning they live here naturally in this part of the world.
When we have green spaces like this,
it's really helpful in reducing CSO impacts.
This acts like a sponge and absorbs rainwater,
and really helps to prevent flooding too.
Now when we prevent rainwater from entering our sewers,
we're also helping to prevent things like oil
and litter from entering our waters,
and we're able to have waters clean enough
for recreation like boating and kayaking and swimming.
And plants and animals are healthy.