Ocean Pollution: Small Steps, Big Impact

Oceans are among the world's most valuable natural resources, governing the weather, cleaning the air, and providing food, water, and oxygen for humans and animals alike. However, they are under serious threat from pollution, with billions of pounds of trash and other pollutants entering our oceans annually. The consequences of ocean pollution are far-reaching, with marine life and human health both suffering. To slow down ocean pollution, individuals can make small changes to their daily routines, such as reducing their use of single-use plastics, opting for reusable bottles and utensils, reducing their carbon footprint, and choosing sustainable seafood.

Reduce carbon footprint

Oceans are among the most valuable natural resources on Earth, but they are under serious threat from human pollution. Oceans absorb a significant amount of the carbon emissions we produce, which has led to ocean acidification, threatening marine ecosystems and the economies that depend on them.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

The main cause of ocean acidification is the increasing amount of carbon dioxide being absorbed by the ocean. This can be prevented by reducing your carbon footprint. Here are some ways to do this:

• Drive less: Walk, bike, or carpool whenever possible.
• Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs: Fluorescent or LED bulbs use less energy and release less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
• Compost food waste: Composting reduces waste and also reduces carbon emissions associated with food waste.
• Eat locally: Food that is produced locally has a lower carbon footprint as it doesn't need to be transported long distances.
• Eat low on the food chain: Eating fewer animal products reduces your carbon footprint as the production of meat, especially beef and lamb, has a high environmental impact.
• Conserve water: Reducing water usage means less energy is used, lowering carbon emissions.
• Reduce vehicle pollution: Using fuel-efficient vehicles, carpooling, or riding a bike can help lower carbon emissions.
• Use less energy: Being conscious of your energy consumption at home can help reduce your carbon footprint. This includes simple actions such as turning off lights when not in use and adjusting your thermostat.

Avoid plastic

Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to ocean health. With low levels of plastic recycling and poor waste management, millions of metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year.

Reduce Your Use of Single-Use Plastics

The easiest way to reduce plastic use is to cut down on single-use plastics. This includes plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, utensils, dry cleaning bags, takeout containers, and any other plastic items discarded after one use. Refuse single-use plastics and purchase reusable alternatives, such as reusable grocery bags, bottles, utensils, and coffee cups.

Support Anti-Plastic Legislation

While individual efforts are important, legislation is also needed to curb plastic production and improve waste management. Support local, national, and international laws that reduce plastic production, hold plastic producers accountable, and promote alternatives to single-use plastics.

Participate in Beach Cleanups

Get directly involved in removing plastics from beaches and waterways by joining or organizing cleanups. This is a rewarding way to prevent plastic from reaching the ocean and protect marine life.

Avoid Products Containing Microbeads

Microbeads are tiny plastic particles found in some face scrubs, toothpastes, and body washes. These microplastics enter oceans and waterways through sewer systems and harm marine life. Avoid products containing polyethylene and polypropylene by opting for natural exfoliants like oatmeal or salt.

Support Organizations Addressing Plastic Pollution

Non-profit organizations like the Oceanic Society, Plastic Pollution Coalition, and Plastic Soup Foundation are actively working to reduce and eliminate plastic pollution. Support their efforts by donating or volunteering.

Remember, even small changes can make a big impact in reducing plastic pollution and protecting our oceans.

Keep beaches clean

Keeping beaches clean is a crucial step in protecting our coastlines and ensuring the well-being of marine life and human communities. Here are some ways to keep beaches clean and prevent ocean pollution:

Reduce Plastic Usage

Single-use plastics are a significant contributor to beach and ocean pollution. To keep beaches clean, avoid bringing and using plastic products. Instead, opt for reusable items such as water bottles, utensils, straws, and containers. By reducing plastic usage, we can prevent plastic waste from ending up on the beach and in the ocean.

Properly Dispose of Trash

When visiting the beach, make sure to dispose of your trash in the proper waste and recycling receptacles. If receptacles are not available, bring an extra bag so you can take your trash home with you. This includes any broken or used fishing lines, as well as diapers if you have children. By properly disposing of trash, we can prevent it from ending up in the ocean and harming marine life.

Participate in Beach Clean-ups

Beach clean-ups are a great way to actively remove trash and debris from beaches. You can join organized clean-ups or even organize your own. By participating in beach clean-ups, you can make a direct impact by removing trash that could otherwise end up in the ocean.

Avoid Feeding Birds or Wildlife

Feeding seagulls, birds, and other wildlife can cause them to spend more time at popular bathing beaches and leave more waste behind. Bird waste and waste from other wildlife can increase the number of harmful microorganisms in beach sand and water, affecting water quality and posing risks to swimmers and other beachgoers.

Pick Up After Your Animals

If you bring your pet to the beach, make sure to pick up any waste they may leave behind. Bacteria from animal waste can contribute to poor water quality and pose health risks to swimmers and other beachgoers. By picking up after your animals, you can help maintain a clean and safe beach environment.

Prevent Pollution from Boats

If you're boating or sailing, always pump out boat sewage at onshore sanitary facilities instead of dumping it into the water. No Discharge Zones (NDZs) prohibit the discharge of both treated and untreated sewage from vessels. By following these guidelines, you can help prevent pollution and keep the beach and ocean clean.

Choose sustainable seafood

Choosing sustainable seafood is one of the most effective ways to slow down ocean pollution. Seafood is a significant source of protein for millions of people globally, and opting for sustainable options ensures that we can continue to enjoy this delicious and healthy food for years to come.

The concept of sustainable seafood revolves around fishing practices that maintain healthy fish populations and minimise the impact on the marine environment. This means fishing in a way that ensures there will be plenty more fish in the sea now and for future generations. Sustainable fishing supports livelihoods, communities, food security, and healthy oceans teeming with life.

When it comes to choosing sustainable seafood, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, look for seafood with a credible sustainability certification. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is a well-known organisation that provides a blue fish tick label for seafood traced back to healthy and sustainably fished populations. This certification ensures that the seafood comes from fisheries that maintain healthy fish populations, minimise their environmental impact, and operate in effectively managed areas.

Another factor to consider is the carbon footprint of the seafood. Opting for frozen or canned fish instead of fresh seafood that has been flown in can significantly reduce the carbon emissions associated with transportation. Additionally, it is important to vary your seafood choices to reduce the pressure on specific fish stocks. Exploring different options beyond the commonly consumed shrimp, salmon, tuna, and cod can help protect our oceans' diversity.

Lastly, understanding the methods used to raise and catch seafood is crucial. Seafood can be categorised as farmed or wild-caught, and certain fishing methods can be more damaging to ocean life than others. Dredging or bottom trawling, for example, involve dragging weighted nets across the ocean floor, disrupting marine habitats and capturing organisms that are often not even the target species. Doing your research on the sustainability and safety of various seafood options is essential, and resources like the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch database can be incredibly helpful in making informed choices.

By considering these factors and choosing sustainable seafood, we can all play a part in slowing down ocean pollution and ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of our oceans.

Educate yourself and others

Educating yourself and others about ocean pollution is one of the most helpful and easiest ways to save our oceans. It is important to learn about the situation and share that knowledge with others to help people understand the severity of the threat and influence them to make a difference.

There are many ways to educate yourself about ocean pollution. You can read books, articles, and reports on the topic. For example, you can read "Plastic Ocean" by Charles Moore or "Plastic Soup" by Michiel Roscam Abbing, which includes stunning photographs. You can also refer to reports such as the Global Plastics Outlook by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) or the Breaking the Plastic Wave report by Pew. Additionally, you can follow relevant organizations on social media, such as the Plastic Soup Foundation, to stay informed about the latest news and research.

Once you have educated yourself, you can spread awareness by sharing what you have learned with others. This can be done through word of mouth or by utilizing social media platforms. By sharing your knowledge, you can help others understand the impact of ocean pollution and the importance of taking action.

You can also educate others by organizing or participating in community events and initiatives. For instance, you can organize a cleanup event at a local beach or waterway and use that opportunity to inform participants about the issue of ocean pollution. Additionally, you can get involved with organizations or campaigns working to address ocean pollution and spread awareness through their platforms.

Educating yourself and others is a powerful tool in the fight against ocean pollution. It empowers individuals with knowledge, fosters a sense of collective responsibility, and inspires action. By understanding the problem and its consequences, people are more likely to make lifestyle changes and support efforts to protect our oceans. Therefore, education plays a crucial role in creating a global community that values and actively contributes to the preservation of our marine environments.

Frequently asked questions