The ocean is the most important ecosystem on our planet. Being the largest and most complex ecosystem, our survival depends on its survival. Without healthy oceans, we lose an incredibly large food and oxygen source. The ocean is in crisis right now. For every 3 tons of fish, there is 1 ton of plastic floating about the waters. This is primarily man-made pollution. The ocean needs our help, and even one person can make a difference by doing five simple things every day to help boost marine health.
1. Use less plastic
Plastic is the number one ocean pollutant and an extreme killer of marine life. By switching to a re-fillable water bottle like jugs, or tumblers, you can reduce your waste easily (plus they are super cute to carry around). Another easy way to cut down on plastic consumption is to opt for tote bags instead of plastic when shopping! Tote bags are not only super cute, but really useful for carrying groceries, clothes, or whatever you are shopping for!
2. Be responsible with your water
Due to the water cycle, each drop of H2O is connected. This means that everything you use will end up back in the oceans. Keep this in mind by choosing pesticide-free veggies, less harmful household cleaners, and by using less fertilizer on your lawn. All of these little actions can tremendously help the aquatic environment.
3. Be a conscious consumer
Harmful fishing practices, like overfishing, have a detrimental impact on the ocean. By consuming marine life blindly, you are more than likely supporting companies that overfish, and thus, cause irreparable damage to the most complex food chain in the world. Be a smart shopper. Know where the fish you buy is coming from. Try to support local fisheries that use safe and responsible fishing methods.
4. Leave nothing but footprints
The trash left behind on beaches in consumed by not only the ocean, which adds to pollution, but by the aquatic animals as well, causing death and pollution to a food source, which could spread disease to others that consume it. Be a responsible beach-goer. Clean up after yourself, always, and recycle when possible. Hold not only yourself, but others, accountable for the trash left behind. Spend ten extra minutes searching for seashells to bring a bag and collect some left behind litter. This tiny action could save the life of an animal.
5. Spread the knowledge
The most important and easiest thing you can do to help restore our oceans is to spread information. Share this article. Share other articles and news clippings and petitions to keep our oceans sustained and healthy. Knowledge is power, and with increased awareness of our oceanic issues, and what we can do to help, the better impact we can have.
