Planet Earth is approximately 71% covered in water. The oceans themselves hold nearly 97% of all the water here. They provide half of Earth’s oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, and regulate our climate and weather. On top of all of that, the ocean is home to all manner of creatures.
Every living creature on the planet depends on the oceans. Yet overfishing, pollution, and other actions are threatening them. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help protect them and, by extension, life on Earth.
1. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
The oceans absorb approximately 30% of all carbon dioxide released into Earth’s atmosphere. Over time, humans have increased their CO2 output through burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and more. As a result, the oceans are gradually becoming more acidic. The acidification of the water poses a threat to all sea life. Look for ways to reduce your carbon footprint:
- Walk, bike, take public transit, or carpool as much as possible
- Turn off lights and unplug electronics when you’re not using them
- Turn your thermostat a few degrees warmer in the summer or a few degrees cooler in the winter
- Install energy-efficient appliances
2. Avoid Single-Use Plastics and Opt for Plastic-Free Alternatives
Humans produce more than 300 million tons of plastic every year, and around eight million tons find their way into the ocean annually. All of this plastic pollution causes many issues. It leads to sea animal injuries and death. It harms human health. It also contributes in part to climate change.
Avoid single-use plastics and look for plastic-free alternatives instead. Rather than using a plastic straw, buy a metal one. Get a reusable water bottle and refill it at home rather than buying individual water bottles from the store. Use cloth grocery bags instead of plastic ones. You can also encourage businesses to offer plastic-free alternatives.
3. Watch Out for Ocean Harming Products
Avoid using products that can cause harm to the oceans and ocean life. For instance, squalene is a common ingredient in many cosmetics, from lip gloss to anti-aging creams and more. Squalene is an oil found in shark liver, with deep-sea sharks having the highest concentrations.
Watch out for products that contain squalene and its derivative squalane. Avoid jewelry and souvenirs made with sea turtle shells, conches, nautiluses, coral, and other animals.
4. Eat Sustainable Seafood
Overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices are depleting the ocean’s fish. Decreasing how much meat you eat (including seafood) is a good way to reduce your carbon footprint and help the oceans.
When you do eat fish, make sure that you look for sustainable options. Look for indicators such as “line-caught,” “sustainably-harvested,” or “diver-caught” when buying fish at a restaurant or market. You can also ask your server or fishmonger if you’re unsure.
5. Volunteer to Clean the Beaches
Much of the trash that finds its way into the oceans starts as litter and debris left behind by beachgoers. When spending the day at the beach, make sure that you clean up what you bring and don’t leave any garbage behind.
You can also volunteer to clean nearby beaches. Not only will you be helping to keep litter out of the water, but spending time at the ocean can help to increase your appreciation for it. The more you appreciate it, the more likely you are to want to protect it.
6. Get In Touch with Lawmakers and Representatives
Passing laws aimed at protecting the world’s oceans can go a long way in keeping them and the life they support safe and healthy. Elect officials who advocate for good ocean policies. If a person does get voted in that supports saving the oceans, make sure to follow up with them later to remind them of the policies they mentioned.
If your current lawmakers and representatives don’t support saving the ocean, reach out to them. Not everyone is aware of the issues facing the world’s oceans and ocean life. Write a letter and encourage others you know to do the same.
7. Become an Ocean Advocate
You can become an advocate for healthier oceans, too. In addition to reaching out to your local representatives and lawmakers, you can use your social media accounts and word of mouth to help spread the word.
Talk with your friends and family members about the importance of the ocean. Share interesting facts and statistics on social media. By sharing information with those you know (and even those you don’t), you help to increase awareness of the issue. In increasing awareness, you can help to promote change.