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Protecting Our Environment and Our Health: Earth Day + National Take-Back Day

Ed. note: This is cross-posted from the Office of National Drug Control Policy blog

Is your medicine cabinet filled with old bottles of half-used prescriptions? They might seem harmless, but that medicine can spell disaster if misused, and disposing of prescription drugs the wrong way can harm our Nation’s water supply and our environment. That’s why today on Earth Day, we want to encourage you to participate in Take Back Day on April 27^th to get rid of old medications and keep your family, and the planet, safe.

Clean out your medicine cabinet

A medicine cabinet full of unneeded or expired medicine poses a risk to your loved ones, especially young people. In 2010, prescription drugs were involved in over 22,000 deaths. Of those, over 16,000 involved opioid painkillers like Vicodin® and OxyContin®.[1]

In the United States, more people die from prescription drug overdoses than from heroin or cocaine overdoses —combined.[2]

According to a recent Monitoring the Future study – the Nation's largest survey of drug use among young people – prescription drugs are the third-most abused category of drugs after marijuana. In addition, the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that over 70 percent of people who abused prescription pain relievers in the past year got them from friends or relatives the last time they used them.[3] Over 50 percent of teens in a 2008 survey said it was easy to get prescription medications from their parent’s medicine cabinet.[4] Getting rid of those old medicines is an easy step you can take to remove a temptation—and maybe save a life.

Be careful about the medicines you flush

You might think flushing all your old pills down the toilet is the best way to dispose of them, but that’s not necessarily true. Medicines that go down the drain end up in our water supply, where they can damage the environment and harm animals.[5] We don’t know if these drugs in the water supply might also harm people, but experts believe antibiotics in the water might make it harder to treat certain pathogens in the future.[6] To make sure, visit the FDA’s page on safe drug disposal guidelines to find out which medicines they recommend flushing.

President Obama and the White House Council on Environmental Quality are committed to clean water, and want to reduce contaminants in drinking water, including contamination from improperly disposed medications. So we’re encouraging everyone to participate in the Sixth National Drug Take-Back Day on April 27. On Take Back Day, local law enforcement and community groups team up with the Drug Enforcement Administration to collect unused medications so they can be disposed of safely. Visit the Take Back Day website to find a collection site near you.

Safe medication disposal tips

Can’t make it to Take Back Day? Here is how to dispose of prescription drugs safely:

• If there are no specific disposal instructions on the medication, take it out of its original container and mix it with an undesirable substance like coffee grounds or cat litter to discourage people and animals.
• Place the mixture in a sealable bag and put it in the trash.
• To protect your privacy, before throwing out a medicine container, scratch out all identifying information on the prescription label to make it unreadable.

What People Are Saying About the Oceans Plan

Today, the Obama Administration released its plan for translating the National Ocean Policy into on-the-ground actions to benefit the American people.  Here’s what people are saying about the plan:

“The National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan emphasizes the role that ports and maritime commerce play in the nation’s economy. We are glad that many of the key recommendations will support the flow of commerce in and through our nation’s ports by improving the quality and reliability of navigation and ocean observation data, increasing the efficiency of permitting processes and agency coordination and identifying the possible impact of increased weather events and sea level rise on port facilities.”
American Association of Port Authorities

"The vitality of our working waterfronts is a national economic priority. The National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan provides a predictable and inclusive decision-making framework to ensure that our economic interests are fostered in the face of growing and competing demands on our oceans."
Dr. Geraldine Knatz, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles

"I welcome and appreciate the recognition of existing regional and local management and the commitment to supporting and enhancing partnerships to improve the management of our marine resources."
John Pappalardo, Chief Executive Officer, Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen’s Association

"The National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan is good news for generations of shellfish growers and those who enjoy shellfish.  The industry is completely dependent upon a healthy ocean, innovation and responsible planning.  The actions identified in this plan will allow shellfish production to continue to be a vital component of our country's rural coastal communities.  I applaud the President's leadership in preserving this industry for future generations."
Margaret Pilaro Barrette, Executive Director, Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association

“We are encouraged to see that the final Implementation Plan addresses many of the concerns we raised when the draft was offered for comment.  The final Plan is appropriately focused on key areas such as permitting efficiencies, habitat restoration and economic development opportunities, while respecting local and regional authority and sovereignty. Hopefully the plan will draw attention to key research and development needs so that lawmakers will be moved to direct appropriate funding resources to these critical needs.”
Bob Rheault, Executive Director, East Coast Shellfish Growers Association

“Demand for our farmed shellfish has exceeded our ability to supply it for years.  We are pleased that the National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan recognizes the opportunity to expand domestic shellfish aquaculture and the valuable jobs it can create.  The Plan provides critical direction on permit coordination and efficiency and implementing the National Shellfish Initiative as well as focusing on science, ocean acidification and monitoring which are all critically important to shellfish growers.”
Bill Dewey, Director of Public Policy and Communications for Taylor Shellfish Farms.

"The National Corn Growers Association appreciates the administration’s outreach to the agriculture community during the development of the National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan. We welcome the Plan’s emphasis on voluntary conservation programs and nutrient trading pilot opportunities, as well as expanded research to better understand the complex causes of hypoxia. We can work together to grow the economies of coastal and farming communities while preserving water quality for years to come."
National Corn Growers Association

“Well-informed decision making is essential to avoiding and mitigating conflict among various ocean user groups. This is especially important for a region like the Mid-Atlantic where we expect to see a modern emergence of renewable energy development. I appreciate the National Ocean Policy’s emphasis on integrated decision-making and improved coordination at the regional level, in support of regional priorities. New decision-making tools, such as regional data portals, will facilitate improved collaboration and efficiency in ocean planning. For example, this week we will host a workshop in which managers, scientists, fishermen, and other stakeholders will come together to collaboratively evaluate and develop fishery management strategies to protect deep sea corals, utilizing the MARCO regional data portal to display information. This kind of enhanced coordination and communication between agencies and ocean sectors is critical to ensuring positive outcomes for present and future generations.”
Rick Robins, Chairman of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council

“We believe implementing the National Ocean Policy is essential for the offshore wind industry to thrive in this country. Offshore wind is a new industry with the potential to create thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment in the U.S.”
Jim Lanard, President, Offshore Wind Development Coalition

“Marinas are more than just a place for ocean users to dock their boat at the end of the day – they are a true economic hub for tourism and recreation. That’s why having a plan which maps out ocean uses for the Northeast region – identifying potential conflicts before they happen – will be of great value to my industry. The National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan will enable regions like New England to move ahead with this smart ocean planning by engaging people like me, who live and work on the water every day, while not forcing planning on other regions that do not currently want to engage in the process.”
Michael Keyworth, board member and past president, Rhode Island Marine Trades Association; Vice President and General Manager, Brewer Cove Haven Marina in Barrington, Rhode Island.

“The National Ocean Policy is about making smart choices for a healthier ocean – which, in turn, saves money, time and jobs. The implementation plan shows that the policy is a realistic plan that recognizes the tough fiscal climate we’re in.  That’s why it emphasizes that these priorities can help direct the limited resources to where they’re most needed.”
Janis Searles Jones, Executive Vice President for Policy and Programs, Ocean Conservancy

“I’m proud to have supported the Oceans Act in 2000 that led to sweeping bipartisan recommendations for a new and comprehensive national ocean policy. The nation’s prosperity and the well-being of all Americans depends directly on the continued health and stewardship of the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes. The Administration’s thoughtfully revised Implementation Plan marks a new and practical step in over a decade of federal ocean policy efforts and I look forward to working together with the Administration to move the Implementation Plan forward.”
Senator John D. Rockefeller, IV, Chairman, Commerce Science & Transportation Committee, United States Senate

“We're excited to see a final plan from the National Ocean Council that has real actions to protect our coasts and oceans. By providing support for ocean planning, the plan will help ensure that new industries like offshore wind power do not unnecessarily impact the marine ecosystem and human uses like recreation and fishing."
Pete Stauffer, surfer and Ocean Program Manager with Surfrider Foundation, Portland, Oregon

“We who work on the water daily see the direct effects of changes caused by ocean acidification or increases in ocean temperatures. As a lobsterman I've come to think of the Gulf of Maine as being unique and precious, and deserving of all our efforts at stewardship and protection that the National Ocean Policy and Ocean Planning will enable.”
Richard Nelson, Lobsterman from Friendship, Maine

“The whole concept of the national ocean policy is to maximize the benefit and minimize the damage. What’s not to love?”
Dr. Leslie Kaufmann, Biologist with Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts

“Full implementation of the National Ocean Policy is what we need to protect, maintain and restore New England’s ocean and coasts. Conservationists, fishermen, scientists, boaters, surfers, clean energy advocates and community leaders are all working together because we understand the value of stewardship and getting out ahead of ocean use conflicts by doing smart planning for our oceans.”
Priscilla Brooks, VP and Director of Ocean Conservation, Conservation Law Foundation, Boston, Massachusetts

“With more than 10 million participations, the marine recreational fishing community represents an incredibly large diverse ocean user group. The National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan is the first real comprehensive approach to our country’s ocean interests that recognizes the importance of recreational interests, and it goes a long way toward providing an outline for continued responsible use.”
Tom Raftican, President, The Sportfishing Conservancy

“Through this plan, there is a commitment to education, regulatory streamlining, and better monitoring and data. It reflects a serious and thoughtful attempt not only to tackle big problems, but also to take advantage of opportunities to work collaboratively with industry to build a domestic aquaculture industry.”
Danny Murphy, President, American Soybean Association

“As a tribal leader I was deeply moved by the understanding and acceptance from the federal, state and the public of who we are and what we bring to the table. Together we work in a manner that truly benefits all we serve. We are modeling the way for other regional bodies to do the same."
Chief Richard Getchell, Chief of the Aroostook Band of Micmac Indians (Maine) and tribal co-lead for the New England Regional Planning Body

“I was very pleased to see the plan for translating the National Ocean Policy into actions that will help us address the very real issues that we face right now and that will only intensify in the future. The Gulf is vital to the energy security, economic well-being and environmental health of our nation. We have options now that we will not have even a few years from now, so it is timely to get this plan on the table.”
Dr. Larry D. McKinney, Executive Director, Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies

“The Joint Ocean Commission Initiative Leadership Council applauds the National Ocean Council’s release of its National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan. Executing this plan will improve management of our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes and help ensure our vital ocean resources are able to support the communities, businesses and ecosystems that rely on them now and into the future. By incorporating the most advanced scientific knowledge in the field and focusing on increasing efficiency and effectiveness of governmental decision making, the National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan offers a stronger, simpler path to healthy, well-managed oceans. We appreciate the thoughtful work the National Ocean Council has done to include feedback from all sectors and we look forward to continuing to work together to improve our economy, our environment and our national security.”
The Honorable William Ruckelshaus and The Honorable Norman Mineta, Co-Chairs, Joint Ocean Commission Initiative, on behalf of the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative Leadership Council

“The strength of America’s economy is tied to the health of our oceans, particularly in coastal states like Rhode Island. With the release of this plan we now have a blueprint to streamline efforts across the federal government to keep our oceans, and our economy, thriving. The plan will support regions and states as they take steps to prepare for economic development, protect their beaches and wildlife, and ensure their coasts are still thriving for future generations. I look forward to working with the Administration to put this plan into effect.”
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, co-chair of the Senate Oceans Caucus, United States Senate

“On California’s Central Coast, we understand the role that the ocean plays in supporting our local community. From tourists visiting the Monterey Bay to the fishing industry that relies upon strong marine fish populations, our local economy is dependent upon the jobs created by a healthy, well managed ocean environment. And when the economies of our coastal communities thrive, the entire country reaps the benefits. But for too long, the management of our oceans has been handled by a confusing and often competing mix of federal agencies. This plan finally gets all of the relevant federal agencies on the same page, allowing them to coordinate their missions and provide for more efficient stewardship of our oceans. It also opens the lines of communications between the federal government and the states and local communities that are directly impacted. By working together and taking a holistic, science based approach to the management of our marine ecosystems, we not only build a stronger economy now but ensure the ocean’s long-term sustainability to benefit future generations.”
Congressman Sam Farr, chair of the House Oceans Caucus, United States House of Representatives

"We are excited about the opportunities within the National Ocean Policy that will secure sustainable use of the ocean while protecting the marine ecosystem."
Leesa Cobb, Director, Port Orford (Oregon) Ocean Resource Team

“I applaud the National Ocean Council’s work to develop a common-sense approach to management of one of America’s most beloved and valuable natural resources. The changes included in the final plan reflect careful consideration of the concerns of a broad group of stakeholders. The result is a policy that enhances federal government efficiency and allows states and regions a stronger say in crafting solutions to their specific ocean challenges to ensure a vibrant future for America’s oceans and coasts.”
Michael Conathan, Director of Ocean Policy at the Center for American Progress

“The Implementation Plan recognizes that ensuring healthy oceans for future generations will require an all-out local, regional and national effort. We must develop science-based solutions to our toughest ocean and coastal challenges --from marine pollution and ocean acidification to habitat loss and species decline. We’ve learned in California that when we all come together to tackle a common problem, representing government, business, science, and conservation interests, we can really make a difference. We stand ready to work with the Administration to make this a reality."
Julie Packard, Executive Director, Monterey Bay Aquarium

“Our oceans are a precious resource and a federal strategy to manage the use and protection of it is an important tool for states like Massachusetts that are endeavoring to develop offshore wind. By balancing environmental, commercial fishing and energy interests with science-based data, this plan will ensure we are all working together to make a cleaner energy future.”
Alicia Barton, CEO of Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

"The National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan, much like Oregon's recently completed Territorial Sea Plan, represents a thoughtful and inclusive planning process to create a framework that balances current and future ocean uses to the benefit of all."
Jason Busch, Executive Director, Oregon Wave Energy Trust