SAVE THE SEAS!

Amy Taylor
Jan 11, 2021
4 min read

Updated: Jan 22, 2021

10 small changes you can make to help restore our oceans.

It is no secret that our seas are in more danger than ever. The sea is home to one billion species and it provides us with half of our oxygen. It is absolutely vital that we act now. Here is what you can do today to be part of the solution, not part of the pollution.

1. Ditch single use plastic!

‘It’s only 1 straw, said 8 billion people!’

We often use plastics on a daily basis without batting an eyelid. However, when you consciously choose to make more sustainable subtle changes, it soon becomes the new norm! Just a few simple swaps ideas: Convert to a wooden toothbrush, invest in a plastic free water bottle and coffee cup, take reusable bags when shopping, carry reusable utensils with you, use washable flannels to remove your makeup instead of disposable wipes, etc. These tips can also save you a few pennies every month!

2. Reduce your energy consumption.

Carbon dioxide is making our oceans more acidic which is turning our previously vibrant corals into dull skeletons. Ways to reduce your carbon footprint: turn off lights/electrics when not in use, cycle, walk or use public transport where possible, conserve water, wear more layers instead of turning up the central heating, etc. I know these aren’t all feasible changes for everyone, but if we all did what we could, then the change would be more significant than you think!

3. Say no to toxic chemicals!

A lot of your household cleaning products contain ingredients that can be harmful to the environment. Why not look into buying more environmentally friendly products the next time you run out. (Remember, you do not need to replace everything right away, use up what you already have - the most sustainable item is the one you already own)!

Examples of more sustainable cleaning brands:

· https://www.ocean-saver.com/collections/all

· https://bowercollective.com/collections/cleaning

· https://www.peacewiththewild.co.uk/product-category/for-the-home/household-cleaning/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2Pfi_vuv7gIVjLbtCh2VIgHXEAAYAiAAEgJ2evD_BwE

4. Educate yourself.

Education is power! Do your research, there are always new ways to better yourself and the planet. We are very fortunate to be living in a world where google and social media are right at our fingertips.

Here are a few accounts that I follow and love!

@4ocean

@awastefreeworld

@coralgardeners

@surfersagainstsewage

5. Leave nothing behind.

Please, please, please do not litter!!!

It is estimated that 18 BILLION pounds of plastic ends up in our oceans every year. One way we can help reduce this unfathomable number is by disposing of our rubbish responsibly as well as recycling and reusing as much as possible. Also, remember that every single piece of plastic you have ever used in your life still exists today - even if it was disposed of properly! Here is a piece of litter I found on one of my local streets. It is older than me and still in perfect condition!!!

(If only we all aged as well as plastic ay?)

6. Litter pick your local area.

One way we can help limit the amount of plastic entering the sea is by litter picking our local streets. In some areas you can email your local council and they will provide you with litter pickers and bin bags. This can actually be a fun and rewarding experience and one that you can easily do. Get your friends and family involved and make a day of it. Or even just pick up one piece of litter a day…it all adds up!

7. Buy less and shop second hand.

Every minute of every day we are bombarded with ads telling us we ‘need’ this, that and the other. It has almost become a trend to spend our money on pointless stuff we do not need. I often see many people making jokes such as: ‘A parcel a day keeps the sadness away!’ However, I can guarantee most of that stuff ends up in the bin a month later and brings little to no joy! Not only does it make a significant dent in your bank account and makes your space more cluttered, it is also very damaging to the environment. There are so many clothes/items that already exist out there, most of which have never been worn/used or only worn/used a handful of times. Why not try shopping second hand? There are so many charity shops out there, not only are you buying items for you to enjoy but you are also making a positive difference. There are also many great websites such as Ebay, Depop and Vinted. Remember… ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!’

8. Consume less meat/fish.

There is a plethora of evidence to support that the meat and dairy industry are responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions. If you do not know where to start, start small. Even if you just commit to having one vegan meal a week, you will be making a difference. There are 1000s of simple vegetarian and vegan recipes all over the internet, which won’t cost you a bomb!

9. Use your voice.

Start conversations with friends, family or even strangers! Use your social media platforms to spread the message! Sign petitions! Petitions are often addressed to a government official and a way of getting their attention. There are plenty of petitions floating around the internet that take less than 5 seconds to fill out.

Ideas of ways in which you can use your voice today:

Invite people to litter pick with you, share photos from your litter picks, share your veggie/vegan recipes, share your plastic swaps, recommend sustainable brands that you love to others, ect.