10 ways on how to protect the ocean
How you can protect the ocean and help save marine life from home
The ocean is more than just a mysterious and beautiful place that sparks the imagination. Scientists say that approximately 50 to 80-percent of the earth’s oxygen production comes from our oceans. A variety of marine life requires a clean ocean to breathe and thrive.
Today, the world’s oceans are facing unprecedented danger due to various issues, including overfishing, pollution, oil spills, and more. Climate change is also affecting ocean animals and the cleanliness of the sea.
Whether you want to save the whales or just do your part to keep the oceans cleaner, there are several things we can all do at home to promote a cleaner, safer oceanic environment. Discover ways to help protect the ocean and save marine life from your own home:
Increase your ocean IQ
The first step in protecting the ocean is to learn more about it and increase your “ocean IQ.”
Education: Researching and learning more about the ocean, what makes it thrive, and how it affects the entire planet is the first step toward protecting it. Educating yourself about the world’s oceans and how humans affect them is key to making positive changes. Most people simply don’t know that the small things they do every day can profoundly adversely affect the ocean’s health and well-being.
Everyday things we do that are hurting the ocean and marine life: Simple things like using certain skincare products containing microplastic exfoliants and certain sunscreens can harm delicate coral reefs and ocean animals. Single-use plastic containers, a stray plastic bag, and other products that don’t make it in a landfill or get recycled often end up in the world’s beautiful oceans as well. Fertilizers and pesticides that contain harmful chemicals can leech waterways, eventually finding their way into the sea (learn how to reverse the eutrophication process). Even eating certain types of fish can harm, specifically those harvested due to overfishing.
What can we do
We can do things to be more environmentally conscious of helping reduce our carbon footprint. Here are some ways:
1.Mind your carbon footprint and reduce energy consumption: Paying attention to your carbon footprint by lowering general energy consumption is an easy way to help save the ocean. Simply turning off the lights, unplugging appliances, or using energy-efficient alternatives can help reduce widespread pollution and energy demand. Carpool with friends to work, or walk or ride your bike, if possible, to reduce harmful emissions.
2. Avoid single-use plastic: From straws and water bottles to plastic bags and food containers, single-use plastics can be detrimental to marine life and contribute to ocean pollution. Avoid using these products and switch to reusable shopping bags, stainless steel coffee mugs, water bottles, and reusable straws.
3.Take care of the beach: Pick up litter whenever you walk on the beach and never leave trash behind. Don’t take things from the beach like shells, driftwood, or starfish, as these items can damage the ecosystem and hurt living things that need them for their survival.
4. Reduce reuse recycle: Follow the three R’s when practicing daily habits, including reducing the consumption of disposable items, reusing items whenever possible, and recycling.
5. Make your laundry routine more eco-friendly: Simple changes in your laundry routine can make a significant impact on water conservation and reduce ocean pollution:
- Use eco-friendly, non-toxic detergent that doesn’t require toxic chemicals to get your clothes clean.
- Use cold water over hot water whenever possible. It saves energy and reduces your carbon footprint.
- Air dry your clothes which saves energy and reduces your carbon footprint for a cleaner environment.
- Run your washing machine (and dishwasher) only when it’s full.
- Save your laundry water and use it to refill your toilet bowel.
6. Reduce fuel consumption: Try to hitch a ride with coworkers instead of driving separately or use public transportation instead of driving. If you have fuel-based heat at home, monitor your thermostat to keep temperatures at a reasonable level that won’t require too much fuel through the winter months. Consider switching to a hybrid or electric car to reduce fuel consumption and improve energy conservation.
7. Shop locally and sustainably: Shopping locally helps support the people in your community and reduces the need for fuel due to transporting goods to other locations. Look for sustainable products made of eco-friendly materials or seek products that donate some of their proceeds to environmental causes.
8. Dispose of hazardous waste responsibly: If you need to dispose of things like paint, electronics, batteries, or medication, do it in a responsible way. Contact your local recycling center or local jurisdiction to find out how you dispose these things in a safe, environmentally responsible manner.
9. Avoid fast fashion: Buying fast fashion products can cause significant harm to the ocean. It pollutes local rivers and streams and dries up water resources while also contributing to about 10-percent of humans’ carbon emissions. Shop at thrift stores, yard sales, or buy from clothing resale websites instead of buying fast fashion.
10. Support organizations working to protect the ocean and marine life: Consider donating or volunteering your help and time to organizations dedicated to helping save the ocean. Some examples include Ocean Conservancy, Surfrider Foundation, and Save the Turtles, just to name a few.
As you can see, the world’s oceans are under constant threat due to many human activities. Thankfully, there are some things you can do at home to help protect the oceans and marine life. By reducing your carbon footprint, recycling and avoiding single-use plastics, and educating yourself and others, you can become a proactive earth hero who helps save the ocean.
This article is shared by courtesy of Porch – porch.com. The Porch Group provides comprehensive software and services for 11,000 (and growing) home inspectors, moving companies, and other home services businesses. Read the original entire article, also describing how we affect marine life: https://porch.com/advice/protect-the-ocean
