Ocean on the Edge
What You Can Do
It may seem like we do not have much of an impact on the ocean with our day-to-day decisions, but we actually do. Each of us is connected to the ocean and to the environment and even a few changes in our lives can improve our environmental legacy. Below are a few ideas for you to help our ocean planet.
- Reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Consider transportation alternatives: drive less, drive hybrid cars, walk and bike more often, use public transportation, telecommute, and buy locally produced products that did not need to be shipped across the ocean or the country.
- Change your bulbs. Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs.
- Create natural habitats. Plant green areas with native vegetation, which uses less water and provides important habitats for birds and butterflies.
- Reduce storm drain runoff into the ocean. Use car washes rather than washing your car in the driveway or on your lawn. Reduce or eliminate the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers in your garden.
- Recycle. If you do not see a recycling container when you are ready to throw away something that is recyclable, take it home with you or wait until you find a place to recycle it.
- Dispose of trash properly and pick up trash you see to prevent litter from entering the ocean.
- Consider reducing the amount of meat you eat—especially beef, since cattle require a lot of land, food, and water and produce large amounts of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Livestock production in general results in air and water pollution.
- Find out where your seafood comes from and learn about and choose seafood that is sustainable.
- Vote and tell your elected officials that the ocean and the environment are important to you.
There are many ways to make your lifestyle choices less damaging to the environment. Nothing is too small to matter. Do what you can, and where possible, try to do more. Collectively, we can make a difference for our ocean planet.
