The Oceans’ Health Problems & What You Can Do
Our oceans need us now more than ever.
I’ll be the first to admit I’m guilty of falling into convenience culture. In college, I didn’t understand how to recycle, so I never did (oof, that hurts to admit). One day, I read an article like this, and things changed.
That’s the beauty of knowledge. You get to learn something new and figure out ways to respond and adapt. Simple and empowering.
Let’s dive into the issues…
Threats to Marine Life
Plastic pollution
Ghost nets
Poaching/trade
Entertainment
Ocean warming (due to climate change)
Coral bleaching (due to ocean warming)
Unsustainable fishing
Drilling (and spilling…)
Blasting
Noise
Ship strikes
How you can help
While responsibility should ultimately lie in the hands of those powerful enough (and wealthy enough) to make large-scale changes, each one of us can still make an impact. Think of it as local action for a global impact.
Shop local.
Not only does shopping local cut down shipping/import emissions, but it also pours money back into your community.
Plus, you save on packaging materials that make their way into streams and rivers which ultimately lead to the ocean.
Ditch bottled water.
Discarded plastic bottles are taking over the planet. Did you know: It takes 3x more water to make the bottle than it actually holds? Plus, the water is contaminated with micro-plastics…made from crude oil…which means drinking bottled water is synonymous with drinking trace amounts of plastic. Gross.
I love my BPA-free Nalgene (with this cap).
Request no plastic bag.
Plastics have been found in the deepest parts of the ocean. Plastics have been found in the stomachs of turtles, fish, birds, sharks, whales, and the list goes on.
We’ve got to stop relying on single-use plastics.
Always make it known upfront to a restaurant or store that you don’t want a plastic bag. And if you end up with a plastic bag…repurpose it as your trash bag!
At the end of the day, just remember BYOB - bring your own bag.
Never support animal entertainment.
Have you ever visited an aquarium that just felt wrong? “Are these tanks even big enough? Or clean enough?”
Trust that feeling. Do your research, stay away from live animal shows, and report abusers to the right organizations.
Intentionally choose sustainable seafood.
If you can’t fight the urge to eat seafood, remember to choose the blue badge: MSC Certified Seafood. This certification promotes sustainable fishing.
Straight from the MSC website: “Sustainable fishing means leaving enough fish in the ocean, respecting habitats, and ensuring people who depend on fishing can maintain their livelihoods.”
You no longer have to unknowingly support overfishing, illegal and destructive fishing, ghost nets (seen below), and other harmful ocean-killing practices.
Ignorance isn’t an excuse anymore.
40,000 lbs of ghost nets - Kamilo Point, Hawaii
Encourage the switch to post-consumer recycled paper.
Single-use plastics and styrofoam don’t break down for hundreds of years. As we consume more and more, those long-lasting relics wash down waterways and endanger everything along the way.
Most consumers don’t mind paying the extra 25-50 cents for a to-go container, especially if it’s a compostable option. Plus, post-consumer recycled paper boosts the recycling economy, and we’ll be able to divert more resources from landfills.
Learn about zero waste.
Just google it and have fun.
By the time things are back to normal, you’ll be a pro. And most importantly, you’ll understand why the zero-waste movement is so necessary and powerful.
Opt for sustainable products.
Slow down and get to know your products.
We’re busy. I get it. This convenience culture prevents us from investing thought in the items we buy. Stop for a moment and really think about what you actually need. Can you purchase it from a local artisan/vendor?
Try the cradle-to-grave approach, and buy products that last a lifetime. You may pay a little bit more upfront, but you’ll save a lot of money (and the planet!) in the long run.
Save on packaging. Buy a plant.
I’m working on this one myself…growing my own food. My advice is to take it slow. Add a potted herb or veggie to your pickup order.
Start with your favorites. I have a 2-yr old rosemary plant, and a friend gifted me 2 tomato plants, 1 bell pepper, and 2 basils. Add to your collection little by little. I added some low-maintenance herbs like lavender, dill, and cilantro.
And don’t forget to shop local.
