You are part of the Head shoal!
You enjoy discovering new things and learning about how you can make a difference; this is what drives your connection to the Ocean. You do your bit to support our Ocean because you know that the threats to the Ocean impact the habitats and creatures that live there, but also impact your everyday life too.
Go with the flow! Gradually build your pro-Ocean habits on your #thinkOcean journey…
Step 1: Talk to your friends and family about the Ocean.
Why?
Creating a change and supporting a healthy Ocean can be as simple as spreading the word about the importance of the Ocean.
How?
Tell your friends and family why the Ocean matters and show off about your favourite sea creature! – Don’t forget to always add some Ocean Optimism!
Step 2: Sign petitions.
Why?
As individuals, we can do a lot – but we need global leaders to realise that the Ocean needs their help.
How?
Find an issue you are passionate about and see if there is a petition running about it.
Step 3: Reduce the amount of energy you use at home.
Why?
We need to reduce our carbon footprint to allow the Ocean time to recover.
How?
Turn off lights when you leave a room. Don’t overfill your kettle. Turn down the heating and pop a jumper on. Wash your clothes on a cold wash.
Step 4: Choose to work with or buy from companies with good environmental values.
Why?
Supporting companies that have small carbon footprints, create less plastic waste and educate their staff on environmental solutions means that you are demanding a global change to support the Ocean.
How?
Ask friends and family for recommendations. Have a look at their website of social media pages for their environmental values.
Step 5: Check who you are banking with – where does their money go?
Why?
Your money has the power to change the world. The financial institutions you invest with and give your business to could be having a big impact on the environment.
How?
There are an increasing number of new, small banks marketing themselves as ethical and funders of solutions. Jump online and see who is best to bank with.
Step 6: Call a Motion for the Ocean
Why?
It’s important that we support local and national governments to take action to improve Ocean health. A model ‘Ocean Recovery Declaration’ – or Motion for the Ocean – seeks to help all local governments #thinkOcean and identify ways they can make a difference.
How?
Write a letter or an email to your local council and enclose the model motion asking them to please take it to their council. Click here to download the Motion for the Ocean. The more people that get in touch the better. Once they have signed up, you can hold them accountable.
Step 7: Explore the Ocean for yourself.
Why?
Jacques-Yves Cousteau once said “people protect what they love”, and we totally agree!
How?
Get outside and explore the Ocean near you! If you don’t live near the ocean, visit your local lake or river – it’s all connected to the Ocean and when you visit you will be too.
Let us know what you are doing and share your successes on social media, use #thinkOcean!
Congratulations! You have made it to the last step, but your journey doesn’t end here, keep trying some new pro-Ocean habits and continue to support a healthy Ocean. If you have signed up to our emails, we will keep you updated with good news stories for some inspiration and some new challenges to try!
