June 8th is World
Oceans Day, the UN-designated day for the global community to
celebrate and take action for our shared ocean.
One of the greatest threats to the ocean is also one of the most
insidious because chances are it's so mundane you don't even notice
it. Look around you right now: how much plastic do you see?
The ocean is downstream from all of us so no matter where we
live, so we can all help address the issue of plastic pollution in
the ocean. Each year a huge amount of plastic eventually makes it
into coastal waters and harms ocean life. Many animals such as
seabirds, sea turtles, dolphins, and whales die every year from
plastic entanglement or starvation because they fill up their
stomachs on plastic they mistake for food. Take
action for World Oceans Day and prevent plastic from
harming ocean wildlife!
Reduce plastic use . Help stop plastic
pollution at its source! As consumers, we each have the power to
reduce demand. And if you encourage family and friends to do the
same, the more the more good we can do to keep the ocean clean and
safe. Here are a few disposable plastic products everyone can
reduce in our daily lives.
Plastic water bottles. Invest in a reusable
water bottle, and filter water if necessary. Help the ocean and
save money; it's a win-win for you and the blue. On average,
Americans now use 4 plastic water bottles a day-the
highest ever recorded! Let's turn the tide against wasteful plastic
consumption.
Plastic bags. People use nearly 1 trillion
plastic bags each year, and unfortunately, many of those end up
ingested by sea turtles that mistake plastic for jellyfish.
Remember to bring a reusable bag for food (including vegetables)
and other shopping and save a life!
Straws, cups to-go, food containers, and
utensils. Bring your own reusable products like mugs when
you get coffee and take a pass on the plastic utensils when you get
take-out food.
Be aware of packaging. Pay attention to how
much incidental plastic that comes with what you buy-your candy,
headphones, pens, etc., all come in plastic packaging. Strive to
cut down on your daily plastic consumption and reward corporations
that package responsibly!
Act for World Oceans Day!
Organize an
aquatic clean-up! Head out to your nearest and dearest
body of water with some friends and pick up all the trash you find.
You'll be surprised at how much of it is plastic.
Ban the bag in your town. Many communities
around the world are banning plastic bags from being used at their
stores.
Learn how to start a campaign to stop plastic bags use in your
town!
There are hundreds of events
being held all over the world, find one near you and celebrate with
a purpose this World
Oceans Day! You can also go the extra mile and organize an
event yourself using ideas and free materials provided at
WorldOceansDay.org!