Celebrate #WorldOceansDay Every Day: 5 Things You Can Do Right Now!
Because Ocean Health > Convenience
Photo by Ed Sloane
1. Say No to Single-Use Plastics
There's not excuse for single-use! Plastics that end up as ocean debris contribute to habitat destruction and entangle and kill tens of thousands of marine animals each year. We can limit our use by saying no to plastic straws (ahead of your drink order), carrying a reusable water bottle, storing food in nondisposable containers. These are just a few examples of many things we can do! Have a suggestion? Let us know!
2. Support Organizations Working to Protect the Ocean
Many institutes and organizations are fighting to protect ocean habitats and marine wildlife. Find a national organization and consider giving financial support or volunteering for hands-on work or advocacy. If you live near the coast, join up with a local branch or group and get involved in projects close to home. The Surfrider Foundation, Ocean Conservancy, Oceanic Preservation Society and Heal the Bay are all great organizations making a difference right now!
3. Influence Change in Your Community
Research the ocean policies of public officials before you vote or contact your local representatives to let them know you support marine conservation projects. Consider patronizing restaurants and grocery stores that offer only sustainable seafood and sustanability practices, and speak up about your concerns if you spot a threatened species on the menu or at the seafood counter. The Surfrider Foundation does great work in this space, from changing city laws and ordinance to educating communities. Get involved with your local chapter here!
4. Reduce Energy Use
Be mindful of the ways you use energy from driving a car to turning off a light in your home. Oftentimes, it is easy to overlook our energy use because we cannot see the outputs from electricity and fuel use. Carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels is making our oceans more acidic. One consequence could be the loss of corals on a global scale, as their calcium skeletons are weakened by the increasing acidity of the water. There are many simple ways you can reduce your energy use. Ride a bike, walk or use public transportation. Use high efficiency appliances in your home. Turn off appliances when they aren’t in use. Compact fluorescent light bulbs in your house is also a great way to reduce use!
5. Help Take Care of the Beach
Whether you enjoy diving, surfing, or relaxing on the beach, always clean up after yourself. Explore and appreciate the ocean without interfering with wildlife or removing rocks and coral. Go even further by encouraging others to respect the marine environment or by participating in local beach cleanups.