If you've watched Seaspiracy, Chasing Coral, A Plastic Ocean, Black Fish, and/or other environmental documentaries then you know that our oceans are in serious trouble. It is estimated that by the year 2050, there will be more plastic and garbage in our oceans than fish. This statistic is absolutely shocking.
We've put together a list of five ways to save our oceans. We know that it's easy to feel helpless, angry, and frustrated with our current system but there is always room for improvement and change, especially when it involves protecting the Earth.
In honour of world oceans day, here are five simple ways to save our oceans:
1. Find alternatives to plastics
Thousands of seabirds, marine turtles, seals, whales, dolphins, and fish are killed each year after ingesting or being entangled in plastic. Humankind made more plastic in the first decade of this century than in all of history up to the year 2000, and the fossil fuel industry expects to expand plastic production by 4 percent over the next decade.
You can do your part by switching to reusable, eco-friendly alternatives to reduce the amount of plastic and disposables entering our landfills and oceans.
According to WWF, unsustainable fishing is the “largest danger to aquatic life and habitats.” About 90% of the world's fisheries are exploited or overfished, and by-catch, animals captured accidentally when hunting other species, kills billions of fish and other marine animals each year. The negative effects of unsustainable fishing are ruining our oceans and the marine animals that live in them.
3. Try biking and walking more often or switch to an electric vehicle
Climate change is caused by increasing levels of carbon dioxide, which leads to rising sea levels, coral bleaching, changes in biodiversity, and it raises ocean acidity. Since the ocean stores 50 times more carbon dioxide than our atmosphere, maintaining low levels is critical for the sea's sustainability.
You can reduce your carbon footprint by driving less, line-drying your clothes, eating locally, growing your own product, and unplugging your devices when you’re not using them. The most effective way to reduce your carbon footprint is to reduce your consumption of meat. Animal agriculture generates more greenhouse gas emissions than every mode of transport (every car, bus, train, and plane on Earth) combined.
4. Demand change from your favourite large corporations
As consumers, we hold a lot of power. Use your voice to express your concerns for our oceans and the negative impact large companies have on our ecosystems.
5. Use non-toxic cleaning products in your home and at work
Pesticides and toxic household cleaners will end up in our oceans, posing a threat to the ocean's health and the creatures that live there. Make the switch to non-toxic cleaning products. They're just as effective and much healthier for you as well as the oceans.
For more info on how to live an eco-friendly and sustainable life, follow us on our social media and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on product releases and blog posts!
