When somebody says “oil spill,” some people think about oil tankers and beaches polluted with crude oil. Every bit of pollution adds up to the problems faced by the planet Earth, like that small puddle of oil on your driveway or the sidewalk gutter. (See The Guide To Oil Spills)

Engine oil and crude oil can harm vegetation and wildlife. Some of these toxic chemicals may make their way into underground water aquifers and pollute your home water supply. Water treatment plants take out tons of oil and toxic substances from water reservoirs every year.

Really small oil slicks can be easily cleaned up by igniting the puddle with a match, but even this can contribute to greenhouse gases and air pollution. The best way to clean up an oil puddle on the driveway or the road gutter is to mix together fine sand and a small amount of concrete, and spread them on the oil puddle. The particles of sand and concrete bond with the oil particles and hold them together, and makes it easier for you to shovel the oil out. Apply a bit of biodegradable detergent powder on the oil slick to get rid of the remaining oil, and hose the soap away.

Every little bit of help can make a big difference in saving the environment. For those small oil slicks, a bit of sand and concrete can go a long way. For more information regarding this article, read how to clean up an oil spill.