Be the Change in Saving Our Oceans

You’ve heard the phrase “Be the change you want to see in the world.” We all have to start somewhere. If we all do our part and start with the small things. . .those small things add up to making a bigger difference. Here are a few ways to get started!

GET CREATIVE

If you can’t avoid something that’s plastic, find creative ways to re-purpose it.

LOCAL SUPPORT

Support local recycling initiatives and encourage others to do so too. Strive to be a good example of how plastic and other recycling is supposed to look.

SAVE OUR CORAL REEFS

Use coral friendly sunscreen that won’t harm coral polyps.

RECYCLE

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. We are sure you have heard this popular slogan. Sometimes recycling can be inconvenient or time consuming. It may require a change, but be the change — it will be worth it! And when possible, always choose to reuse!

LEAVE IT BEHIND!

Most consumers buy based on impulse, convenience or price. Often, we don’t think about plastic or packaging. Make more informed decisions when purchasing. Choose products that use recycled plastic or no plastic.

IF YOU LIKE TO FISH…

Make sure you dispose of your fishing line properly. Many creatures get caught and tangled in fishing line and die because of it.

BE MINDFUL

Be conscious of the energy & chemicals you are using at home and work. Here are just a few things that you can do to get started: drive less or carpool, line-dry your clothes, unplug your devices, properly insulate your home, maintain your heating and cooling systems and switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. Use less fertilizer in your yard to avoid it running into a local water source. When you change the oil in your car, make sure you are properly disposing of the old oil. Cleaning products? There are many natural alternatives.

THE LAST STRAW

Why focus on plastic straws? While straws are necessary for some, for many they are not and are an unnecessary single-use plastic. Buy some stainless steel or bamboo straws and carry them with you. And don’t forget, it isn’t just straws. Plastic plates, cutlery and wrappers add to single-use plastic pollution.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

We all need a shove in the right direction sometimes. Try not to be the person who criticizes others. Learning to walk the walk before we talk the talk and leading by positive example can go a long way to inspiring others.

IT’S ALL IN THE BAG

Use fabric or natural mesh shopping bags when grocery shopping and reusable produce bags for your fruit and veggies. If you do get caught out and need to use plastic, save them to reuse.

BACK TO THE BEACH

Always clean up after yourself and encourage others to do the same. You can also consider participating in a local beach cleanup.

INSPIRE & EDUCATE OUR CHILDREN

Start by making it a family affair! This can start right in your own backyard —plant a garden, build a birdhouse together, recycle! You can also plan family vacations that focus on the outdoors and discuss any plants and animals that you see and why it’s so important to protect them. To open your kids’ eyes to life under the sea, watch an episode of Blue Planet that focuses on the oceans. For younger children, even a movie like Finding Nemo can start a discussion about marine life and how to protect it.