How Anyone Environmentally Conscious Can Help Clean Up the Sea

The ocean contains about 97% of the world’s water and makes up more than half of the Earth’s surface. It’s the largest ecosystem on the planet and it is crucial for all life on earth, animals and humans alike. Scientists have only recently been able to fully understand the impact that habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and other human activities have had on our seas. Without a thriving marine ecosystem, we face more dangers from climate change. Fortunately, there are efforts to keep the oceans clean. And as an environmentally conscious individual, you can also protect the health of the sea. It doesn’t require a huge time commitment or major sacrifices. The following are some of the key steps that you can take to help keep the ocean a little cleaner:

Spread the Word About the Importance of Ocean Preservation

Spreading the word about the value of clean seas and the need to share responsibility for marine ecoloogy is very powerful. So, share your love of the sea and iformation about the damage that pollution does in discussions and conversations. Attend environmental impact and climate change related work sessions and community meetings. Join cleanup movements with your colleagues or friends. If there is a certain lack of opportunities in your area, then consider joining with established groups to organise events in your hometown.

Dispose of Waste in an Eco-Friendly Way

Thanks to realities like the water cycle and runoff, rubbish thrown just about anywhere can have severe effect on the sea. While it may seem harmless, the negative impact of improper waste disposal can snowball. Protect the marine environment as well as your health by making a sincere effort to reduce the amount of rubbish that you produce and taking care of any waste in an eco-friendly way.

Make Sustainable Food Choices

Overfishing has long been an issue for our seas and global fish populations are diminishing because of constantly increasing demand or destruction of their habitat. So, when shopping for food or dining in at a hotel or restaurant, select seafood which is sustainably sourced, meaning it has been farmed or caught in ways that take the long-term livelihood of the species into consideration.

Reduce the Use of Plastics and Recycle Responsibly

Reducing your overall use of plastics is an excellent way to do your part to keep the oceans clean. Bring a cloth bag when shopping, store food in biodegradable containers, carry a reusable water bottle, and use aluminum-based or paper-based containers for your beauty products. Unlike plastic, aluminum can be recycled back on shelves without losing any quality or volume.

Be Considerate of Marine Life

We often enjoy spending time around or in the water, which is the reason why coastlines are such a popular vacation spot. However, keep in mind that for marine life, the sea is not just a great place to play; it is home. So, when you are around or in the water, be a good guest. Be considerate of the marine life and make an effort to minimise any disruption and preserve the area.

Now is the time to act to improve our understanding of a healthy marine ecosystem that is crucial for our lives and the lives of our future generations. The above-listed are just some of the many steps you can take every day to do your part in reversing the damage that has been done.

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Photo by Naja Bertolt Jensen on Unsplash