A few simple steps can go a long way in making our oceans cleaner.
June 8th is celebrated as the World’s Ocean Day around the globe since 1992. It is an important subject since oceans account for over 70% of earth’s mass. With the increasing pollution, the marine life is getting severely damaged. The oceans are being filled with plastic and all kinds of harmful chemicals. These actions are hurting the planet and it will only get worse as the time goes on. In order to secure the oceans, and in turn, our future generations, there are several steps that we can, and must take.
Avoid single use plastics
This is probably the most important step in countering ocean pollution. Avoid one-time use plastic since almost all of its ends up in the ocean. Instead of buying bottled water, use water fountains, or take water from home.
Recycle
Recycle whatever materials you can. Most materials that are harmful to the ocean can be recycled. Levis is using plastic bottles to create some of the fabric used in their jeans. Definitely a great idea.
Replace plastic bags
There are a number of organic alternatives to plastic bags. Most of them are starch-based which can easily dissolve in water. Support businesses that make these bags and raise your voice to help them.
Take a walk
The overuse of cars leads to greater carbon dioxide. When absorbed by the water, it makes the sea more acidic. So walk whenever possible, or even take a bike. It is healthier and will help the planet every single time.
Clean the beach
A lot of the trash on the beaches will end up in the ocean. Be a part of beach cleaning drives and know you lowered the amount of trash ending up in the sea. Even better, take the trash to the local recycling facility.
Use less fertilizer
Fertilizers can be bad for the oceans too. They usually end up in the ocean and by their very nature, chokes the coastal areas with heavily fertilized algae, which dies and decomposes. As a result, it uses oxygen and causes asphyxiation for other marine life that must flee the area to survive.
Push for legislation
Tart petitions for banning substances that are harmful to the sea. Push your local government representatives to ban single-use plastics. Also, rally for greater recycling and legislation to encourage it.
Enlighten others
Let friends and family know how they can help the oceans remain healthy. Even a few lesser plastic bottles in the sea can help. This is the best kind of activism.
Use ocean friendly products
There are certain products that do not have harmful ingredients for nature. Use them to lower the amount of inorganic waste ending up in the oceans.
More funding for cleaner oceans
The governments must fund more for cleaner oceans. The funds should go for finding organic alternatives, stopping the flow of plastic and other harmful materials to the sea, and cleaning up the existing mess. Governments should also heavily tax producers of harmful plastics to discourage its use.