7 ways to save the ocean, even if you don’t live near the coast

7 ways to save the ocean, even if you don’t live near the coast.

Today is World Ocean’s Day, a day to celebrate the worlds beautiful oceans and think about how we can protect them and the life that they sustain. Oceans produce at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen, they are home to most of earth’s biodiversity, and are the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world, yet a recent study claims that the world’s oceans will be filled with more plastic mass than fish mass by 2050.

Global use of plastics has increased by 20 times in the past 50 years and is expected to double again in the next 20 years, the research also finds that 32% of all plastic packaging escapes collection systems. So what can we do to protect the future of our oceans, whether we live near the ocean or not.

1. Use less Plastic, especially Single Use Plastic

Waste plastic can end up in the ocean, where it will take millions of years to break down. Larger pieces of plastic, such as carrier bags, balloons and Beer Can rings can entangle and kill marine wildlife, or enter their food chain, with long-term consequences. The microplastics which end up in our water by – for example – washing synthetic clothes or using certain cosmetic and cleaning products can also be harmful to marine life, as well as humans by making their way back into our food and water supply.

By Reducing, Reusing and Recycling we can do our bit to reduce the amount of plastics in the ocean.

• Use reusable straws, cutlery, coffee cups, water bottles, bags, and food containers.
• Wear recycled clothing.
• Pack sandwiches and snacks in reusable containers or cloth sacks instead of plastic bags.

We have a great range of sustainable products that can enable you to use less plastic, or invest in products that are made by using recycled plastics in their fabrics and fibres.

SHOP SUSTAINABLE

2. Reduce your Carbon Footprint:

Greenhouse gases are making our oceans more acidic, which amongst other things can affect corals in the ocean as the calcium inside the plants are weakened by the acidity of the water.

By reducing our carbon footprint, we are reducing how much CO2 is released into the earth’s atmosphere. Using an online Carbon footprint calculator is a great way to get a better understanding of your impact on the planet.

You can reduce your carbon footprint by adopting some of these simple measures:

• Ride a bike, walk, or use public transportation rather than driving a car.
• Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
• Eat local and seasonal – by eating foods that are in season, or produced locally, you reduce the distance that food has to travel, cutting down on the CO2 released transporting food across the country.
• Switch your energy provider to one of the 100% renewable options such as Octopus Energy & Bulb Energy.
• Put on a jumper in the winter instead of turning up the heating.

3. Choose Organic

With agriculture responsible for almost one third of global greenhouse gas emissions, choose products which are produced in a much more climate-friendly way. Organic farming works with nature rather than against it.

Choosing products with the Soil Association organic symbol will make sure the products you buy have been produced to the highest possible animal welfare and environmental standards.

4. Reduce water use

The more water we use, the more water can become polluted as it returns to the ocean. By reducing the amount of water we use, we not only reduce the amount of potential pollution, but also the amount of energy used to purify it.

5. Keep waterways clear of rubbish

Even if you live nowhere near a beach, your litter can still end up in the oceans. Make sure you recycle where possible and dispose of your rubbish correctly. Even better, take part in Beach and Waterway cleans, picking up litter that has made its way into rivers or washed back on the beach.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has added a new risk to marine life, with it estimated there could soon be more disposable face masks in the oceans than Jellyfish.

An easy tip is at the end of your beach day, grab your bucket, walk along the beach and fill it with any rubbish you come across, a quick and simple way to help the ocean one piece of litter at a time. If everyone did this at the end of their day it would make a huge difference. And of course, always remember to leave only footprints, and take your rubbish home with you if you are unable to dispose of it properly where you are.

6. Eat less Meat

Not everyone is able or willing to cut meat out completely, and while doing so will no doubt reduce your carbon footprint, choosing to eat less meat and better-quality meat when you do, will also make a big difference. A good start is by eating 2 or 3 meat free meals each week, and buying higher quality, locally and organically farmed meat.

7. Be the change to see the change

If we want a better and cleaner world for the future, we must start now. Teach our children how to look after the planet, so that they go on to do the same with their children. Inform yourself, inform them and others around you, get involved and get them involved too. We cannot do it alone, but no one is perfect, any change you can make is a good change, lots of people making small changes is better than a few people trying to make all the changes alone.