The ocean, the sea, the water, the blue planet; we may refer to it differently, but one thing is the same – every living thing depends on it. The ocean contains an astounding diversity of life and affects everything from global weather patterns to food systems.
Unfortunately, factors such as climate change, pollution and overfishing are leading to our oceans becoming more and more damaged. Therefore, they need our help.
Yes, saving the oceans is a vast, global task. But there are many actions and lifestyle choices we can all take that can help preserve our oceans for the future. Here are just some of the things you can do to help save them.
1. Skip the single-use plastics
Approximately 8.8 million tons of plastic waste ends up in our oceans every year; 40% of which is made up of single-use items. So, to reduce your impact, try to remove unnecessary single-use plastics from your daily life. For example, use your own shopping bag, carry a reusable water bottle or coffee cup and say no to disposable straws. Check out our blog for more tips on living with less plastic.
2. Reduce your carbon footprint
In the last 50 years, the ocean has absorbed 90% of the excess heat created by burning fossil fuels. That’s led to warmer waters, which can affect where fish swim, bleach coral reefs, change how marine species reproduce, speed up sea-level rise, and even alter weather events on land.
By reducing your energy use, you can help to reduce the effects of climate change on the ocean. Small actions such as turning off lights and unplugging appliances when you’re not using them can make a big difference. You should also try to walk or ride a bike where you can to avoid driving.
3. Eat sustainable seafood
One of the greatest threats to our oceans is overfishing. Global fish populations are rapidly decreasing due to high demand and unsustainable fishing practices. Therefore, it’s important to only eat seafood that has come from a sustainable fishery. You can ensure this by shopping for seafood marked with the MSC blue fish label. Learn more about sustainable seafood.
4. Throw your waste away
We all love a picnic or BBQ at the beach with our friends. However, as the number of visitors to the beach increases, so does the amount of rubbish left behind or blown away. So, if you’re having a day out at the beach, remember to clean up after yourself and don’t leave any rubbish behind.
The same goes for if you’re out on the water. Whether you’re on a boat trip, kayaking, canoeing or the like, keep your waste with you and dispose of it properly when you return to land; don’t throw it overboard into the water.
5. Get involved with a clean-up
People across the globe are coming together to help clean-up our beaches and waterways; and you can get involved too. Groups such as Planet Patrol, organise clean-ups where volunteers help to pick up litter and dispose of the rubbish in a sustainable way. The great thing with Planet Patrol is they combine litter-picking with fun activities such as paddle boarding. Learn more about Planet Patrol’s clean-ups.
6. Spread the word about saving our oceans
The more people who know about the effects our actions are having on the world’s oceans, and the ways we can help protect them, the better. So, start spreading the word. Tell your family and friends and encourage them to get involved too. We’d love to hear what you’re doing to help save the oceans. Share your stories with us by tagging us on social media; you’ll find us at @hoststudentsuk.
Today, 8th June, marks World Oceans Day. On this day, people around our blue planet celebrate and honour our ocean, which connects us all. Get together with your family, friends, community, and millions of others around our blue planet to start creating a better future.
