Did you know eight million tons of plastic is dumped into our beautiful oceans every year?

Did you know that plastic waste in our ocean now outnumbers ALL sea life six to one?

Did you know that all documented sea turtles have been seen with plastic waste either IN or AROUND their bodies?

Did you know there are "garbage patches" all over this Earth where all the waste dumped into the oceans accumulate? Well, take a look.

We can work to decrease this number of waste that floods into the ocean by incorporating a few lifestyle changes into our daily routines.

Say NO to plastic straws!

Most plastic straws, those used at McDonald's, Taco Bell, Wendy's, or any restaurant for that matter, never see a recycling bin. When you go out to eat, refuse a straw. Tell the waitress to keep it. Think thats silly? Maybe you've never seen this video of a sea turtle getting a straw ripped out of its airway. Convinced yet?

Stop using plastic grocery bags!

Bring your own reusable bags next time you shop. The typical plastic grocery bag is only used once - to carry your groceries from your car to the house. If it's lucky, it may also get used to pick up your dog's poo. To put the ocean's plastic waste in perspective, FIVE plastic groceries bags FILLED with trash are to every ONE foot of coastline in the entire world.

Refuse - Reduce - Reuse - Recycle

Quit being lazy!

After talking with many peers I learned that many people do not recycle simply because "the walk to the recycling dumpster vs. the regular dumpster is too far." I don't think I have ever rolled my eyes harder. Even the slightest bit of recycling can help. Start a recycling pile in your kitchen and devote a time once every two weeks to take that waste to a recycling bin. Five minutes of your life saving the environment. Not that hard.

Educate yourself!

If you haven't noticed, I have made this step easier for you. Throughout this article I have embedded links and videos that will lead you to more information and ways to take action. A lot of materials can be recycled. Educate yourself on how, where, and what materials can see another life.

Be the change - STOP plastic pollution today!

Here are several ways to stand up against pollution provided by the Plastic Pollution Coalition. Tired of reading? Take a look at their YouTube channel for short visualizations of the harm we are doing, and ways to work to fix it.

Look at this...

I hope you appreciate this Earth everyday, and not only on April 22.