3 Things You Can Do Right Now to Help Save Our Oceans
The ocean has been good to us: By absorbing more than 90 percent of the excess heat and one-quarter of the carbon dioxide humans have generated by burning fossil fuels, it’s helped protect our planet from the effects of climate change. But according to the World Surf League, it’s taking a toll on our waters: They’re warmer than has ever been recorded, they’re more acidic, and they produce less oxygen. The results could be devastating to the one planet we live on — and it’s already had an impact on marine life, from plankton to whales.
We can all join the fight to save our oceans. Here are three things you can do right now to make a difference.
Swap out (or reuse) your plastics
We all try to be good citizens and recycle, but when it comes to plastic, it might not be enough. Only a small fraction of plastic products actually get recycled in the first place, and often, “recycled” plastic ends up in a landfill somewhere else. As plastic crosses seas and makes its way into giant piles, it’s easy for it to end up in the ocean, leading to alarming phenomena like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
Opt for non-plastic options whenever possible, whether you’re swapping for paper, wood, or glass — especially if the product is designed for a single use. Take care of the existing plastic products you have, like food storage containers, to get the most use out of them. By reusing your plastic products, you’re keeping them out of landfills and oceans for longer.
Organize a beach cleanup
Who doesn’t love a day at the beach? Gather up some eco-minded friends, safety gloves, and garbage bags and start picking up along the shore. Reach out to local recyclers to make sure everything is disposed of properly! You’ll be glad you did on future trips to the beach, and the turtles will thank you.
Bonus: You can reuse your plastic bottles as hazardous waste containers.
Make your voice heard
We Are One Ocean is a campaign led by the World Surf League, asking that world leaders protect 30 percent of the global ocean by 2030, with a focus on poorly regulated international waters. This requires dramatically reducing CO2 emissions, while also reducing major stressors like overfishing, offshore oil development, seabed mining, and habitat destruction.
You can join the movement by signing the petition at weareoneocean.org.
Alo stands for Air, Land, and Ocean — our love for nature is at the heart of everything we do. We invite you to join us for Earth Month in learning how we can use our collective voice and actions to make a difference for the planet.