Ten Choices You Can Make To Help Save The World's Oceans

In what is excellent news for our planet, green choices are popping up everywhere.  Once reserved for the most earthy-crunchy among us, the option of “going green” is now incredibly hip; and making ecologically sound decisions is much easier and less costly than it was only a few years ago.  No matter where you live, and no matter what your income level, you can make at least one or two changes in your life that can help to make the planet a better place.  If you already make great choices, give yourself a congratulatory pat on the back, and keep spreading the word.  The rest of us still have some work to do.  Let’s take a look at ten choices that can help save the world’s oceans!

Recycle - Conservation Strategies

If you do only one thing on this list, let this be that one thing.  Recycling prevents tons of garbage from entering landfills and blowing away.  Almost everything can be recycled or repurposed, and re-using or buying used items saves you money while helping the world’s oceans.  Every little bit counts; particularly when it comes to plastics.  

Ride Your Bike, Walk, or Take Public Transportation - Conservation Strategies

You’ve heard it over and over again: If you don’t need to drive, don’t do it.  Carpool if you can, or find an alternative form of transportation.  Most ozone pollution is caused by motor vehicles, including cars, and the bigger the car you drive, the more toxins you release into the atmosphere every time you go somewhere. 

If you can’t find an alternative mode of transportation, consider asking to work from home a few times a week, and if that is not possible, do your best to drive as little as possible as you take care of errands.  This is another way you can save money while doing what’s best for the world – global warming is killing coral reefs; the less we contribute to it, the better.

Turn off the Lights - Conservation Strategies

Unless you are fortunate enough to live in an area where green energy is abundant, or unless you get your energy from your own solar panels or wind turbines, use as little electricity as you possibly can.  You probably know that you should turn appliances off and even unplug them whenever they are not in use, and you might already do this to a certain extent to help keep your electric bill under control.  

Using less power helps to reduce the demand for non-sustainable energy from power plants that still use coal from strip mine and mountaintop removal sites, and from plants that use natural gas obtained through the dangerous practice of fracking.  Take it a step further by telling your local power plant why you are planning to spend less on their services. 

Save Water - Conservation Strategies

The oceans are full of water, right?  So, why should we use less of it?  The answer is that the water we use continues to float downstream after we are done with it, and waste treatment plants use energy.  If you can, look into having a gray water system installed in your home; and collect water in rain barrels to nourish your garden.    

Watch What You Buy - Conservation Strategies

It really is true – money talks!  In many areas, there are so many great products available that are locally produced that you can forgo purchasing irresponsibly manufactured items in favor of goods you can feel great about and enjoy using.  When you purchase items shipped all the way from one end of the planet to the other, your carbon footprint grows.  When you need to buy something that is not produced locally, see if you can buy it used.  You might be surprised to discover how much better you suddenly feel about your choices when you make the right ones on a consistent basis. 

Watch What You Eat - Conservation Strategies

The best foods for you are whole, unprocessed foods in as close a state to “natural” as possible.  How does making choices that are good for your body affect the ocean?  This happens in a number of ways. 

• Many of the processed foods available in the Western world come from massive farms where genetically modified seed stock and strong fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals are the name of the game.  Not only are these farms not good for small farmers, they are not good for the environment, either.  Pollution from these farms runs downstream, harming ecosystems along the way, until it reaches the ocean.   

• Many meats come from big factory farms where animals produce tons of waste that is often not treated before it is buried or runs off into streams.  Many of these egg, dairy, and meat producers release toxins unchecked, plus, life is miserable for the animals living in confined animal feeding operations.  Slaughterhouses produce more chemicals and toxic runoff, and finally, animal products are trucked to far-away places for purchase.   If you are a meat eater, or if you eat eggs, look for a local source for your food and support small farmers who use responsible, green methods for dealing with waste and byproducts.

• Grow your own garden and learn how can and freeze your own food, if possible.  If you can’t grow veggies on your own plot, consider buying into a community garden. 

• Seafood can be a good choice; just be sure you are choosing the right kind of fish and shellfish to add to your menu.  Many fish sold in markets and at restaurants are endangered, and some contain dangerous levels of toxins.  Picking the right kind can help your body and save endangered marine life.  

Be Careful With Chemicals - Conservation Strategies

If you use chemicals in your home, or on your lawn, or in your garden, be careful not only about what you use but about the way that you use them.  Are your chemicals running down the drain?  If so, they could be making their way to the ocean.  Many great biodegradable choices are now available – everything from dishwashing detergent to laundry soap to general purpose cleaners can be found in harmless forms. 

Educate Elected Officials - Conservation Strategies

Elected officials work for the people.  Their job is to listen to what we have to say, and to carry out the will of their constituents.  Often, these officials are bombarded from all sides by people with issues, and some of them are not very nice.  Stand out from the crowd.  Approach officials in a friendly manner, whether you write a letter or send an email, or even make an appointment to meet in person.  Like many people, there are countless elected officials who don’t really know what is happening with the environment.  Put together a handy information pack that’s easy to read, and deliver it.  Make yourself available and be helpful.  This kind of approach goes a long way. 

Join Cleanup Groups - Conservation Strategies

There are countless community cleanup groups, and if you can’t find one where you live, consider creating one on your own.  Picking up trash prevents it from finding its way into the oceans, where it is often ingested by fish, birds, and marine mammals.  The Coral Reef Alliance, Project Aware, and other underwater cleanup groups work to clean up underwater environments, and when you’re diving for fun, carrying a bag for any trash you find is a nice way to contribute to the ocean’s well-being.  In a nutshell, when you clean up, you save lives.  

Pass the Word - Conservation Strategies

Living minute by minute, we sometimes stumble upon things by accident.  Share what you learn with others, and do what you can to find more ways to spread the word.  Teach kids the right way to live in the world, and be a good example to others by always being ethical yourself.