Ever since the World Ocean’s Day was proposed in the year 1992 at the Earth Summit by Canada, this day has been celebrated every year on June 8. Officially recognized by the United Nations in 2008, The Ocean Project started coordinating it from 2003. Statistics suggest that around 8 million tonnes of plastic is dumped into the oceans every year which hampers and pollutes our marine Eco-system. Every plastic bottle or bags that you throw into the ocean slowly degrades and affects. To raise an awareness about the same, this year’s theme is ‘Healthy ocean, healthy planet.’ If each one of us takes up the responsibility of doing our bit, we can have a cleaner ocean and a healthier planet. And if you are clueless about how and where to start; we give you 10 points on how you can do your bit. While you read them, also take a look at some of the beautiful oceans from around the globe.
Using fewer plastic products will help the marine animals live comfortably. Replace your regular bottles with reusable ones, carry paper or cloth bags and whenever possible recycle.
Keep a track of your carbon imprint and reduce as much energy consumption as you can. Keep your car tires properly inflated since under-inflated tires can waste gallons of gas. This will help curb ocean acidification on a large scale.
Dispose any hazardous material properly and in an environment-friendly manner. If not, it will pollute the water and the overall health of oceans is destroyed.
Every time you are dining out, make a conscious healthy choice of seafood. Sustainable seafood will help reduce the demand for overly exploited marine species.
Leisure time spend at the beaches can be made a bit more responsible. Do not litter and let the oceans be as they are: clean and healthy. You could also encourage other to keep the beaches clean.
If you are a pet owner, ensure that you are an ocean friendly pet owner. Do not flush your pet’s waste into the waters. Also if you have an aquarium at home, keep it clean and do not bring any saltwater fish to your fish tank.
Recreational activities on waters should be done dutifully. Do not throw any litter into the oceans and remind yourself of all those beautiful marine creatures underneath. Keep them alive.
Never buy coral jewelry or cosmetics that contain anything from the sea like shark squalene which is derived from shark liver oil. Products like these contribute to the destruction of the entire marine Eco-system.
Get involved in any cause that supports healthy ocean and environment. A little support for those who are already involved also goes a long way.
Share every piece of information you have on marine conservation with people in your circle. Knowledge is useful when shared and spread. It will have a greater impact.
So on World Ocean’s day, do your bit and help the waters remain clean and beautiful.
Image source: Shutterstock
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