9 Tips for Becoming Ocean-Friendly
Oceans currently cover about 70 per-cent of the Earth’s surface, so it comes as a surprise to no one that oceans have been some of the most impacted by the modern world’s environmental changes. A 2014 study by the National Academy of Sciences’ Proceedings claimed that 88% of our oceans are now polluted. Even though the damage can’t be entirely reversed, changing several of our lifestyle habits can prevent the problem from escalating even further. Here are 9 ways you can start:
● Be Gentle with our Beaches
Whatever you like to do when you visit your local beaches, surfing, swimming, diving or just plain relaxing – it is imperious that you make sure to take all your stuff with you and dispose of any waste appropriately when you’re leaving. Most of the items left behind on the shore make their way into the ocean, be it by forces of wind or even the tide coming in and washing things away. When you manage your waste, you’re setting an example that can help protect the ocean. You can even go a step further and partake in beach clean-up action with other locals.
● Avoid the use of Plastic
Approximately 7.9 million tons of plastic, produced out of land-based sources, contaminate the Earth’s seas annually. Supposedly, that much plastic won’t ever disappear thus, continuing to entangle and even kill tens of thousands of defenseless water creatures every year.
As co-inhabitants on this Earth, we have to keep pushing big corporations to opt for plastic-free solutions, instead of non-reusable plastic, with our everyday actions: refuse plastic cutlery and straws, avoid buying single-use water bottles, overly plastic wrapped goods or non-biodegradable plastic takeaway food containers.
By limiting your environmental impact with uses of refillable water bottles, packing food in reusable containers, carrying your own tote bag or other eco-friendly bags when shopping, use biodegradable and compostable takeaway food packaging, and, as always, recycling when possible, you’re protecting the planet from plastic intoxication.
● Shift to Organic Fertilisers
Several fertilisers used in agriculture or gardening are capable of polluting our rivers and, in turn, end up in the sea. Alongside pesticides, these substances can poison aquatic life. Similarly, they can create ‘dead zones’ – areas where oxygen is restricted obligating marine creatures to either run away from the area or stay to die. Making the switch to organic fertilisers can help lessen the number of chemicals that end up in the ocean, along with using pesticide-free or organic produce.
● Cut your use of Greenhouse Gases
The World Meteorological Organisation’s report revealed that over 90% of the energy that is trapped by greenhouse gases is ending up in the oceans. This leads to increased temperatures at sea as well as low levels of oxygen. Due to this, much of the aquatic life is in danger. So, to reduce our carbon footprint and help protect sea-life, there are numerous simple yet effective measures we can take. Perhaps, walking or cycling or using public transports regularly or turning off the lights when leaving a room.
● Avoid Products That Exploit the Ocean’s Inhabitants
Many products sold today worldwide are directly linked to endangered sea life with their unsustainable sourcing of materials or fishing. As an example, sharks are being hunted in order for companies to process their livers with the purpose of the production of squalene capsules. Likewise, squalene from sharks has been used for cosmetics thanks to its moisturising potential, but not only sharks are being threatened. Coral, especially in Southeastern Asia and Central America, is being over explored for jewellery purposes. At the same time, the rare Hawksbill sea turtle has been endangered by the rise in popularity of its shell in some industries.
Rejecting these products is a way to guarantee these immoral corporations don’t have a profitable market that pushes them to source material from endangered aquatic species, thus saving many lives and assuring rare creatures remain on our ecosystems.
● Get Your Pets in the Mix
Turning into an ocean-friendly pet owner is a thing! Let us explain: confirming that your pet food labels are read, buying sustainable seafood when picking a diet for your pet are just two examples. Likewise, make sure you’re not flushing your cat’s litter, as it may contain pathogens that are harmful to sea living. And on no occasion release any sort of aquarium fish into the river or ocean, as this can present non-native species, potentially detrimental to the existing ecosystem. Also, avoid filling fish tanks with wild-caught saltwater fish as it can likewise expose your fish to harmful elements.
● Travel the Ocean Sensibly
Practice responsible sea activities: boating, paddling, kayaking, or other recreational hobbies on water. Never toss anything overboard and stay aware of aquatic life in the surrounding waters. If you’re planning on taking a cruise for your upcoming vacation, do some study to choose the eco-friendliest option possible.
● Check Your Cleaning Cabinet
Nearly everything you let down the drain will sooner or later end up in the big ocean. To protect both your closest watercourses and the big seas, assure your cleaning products are safe. Most household chores can be performed with the help of non-toxic compounds, such as water, lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda.
● Learn More About This Problem
All of Earth’s creatures are connected to the sea and its population. The more you know about the problems faced by this crucial system, the more you will feel the urge to help sustain and improve its health and then share that knowledge with others to educate and inspire them.