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?
Wherever we live, we are connected to the Ocean, through the air we breathe and the weather and climate around us – many people still aren’t aware of that. Creating a change and supporting a healthy Ocean can be as simple as spreading the word about the importance of the Ocean. The recovery of our Ocean relies on as many of us as possible doing our part to help.
How?
Tell your friends and family why the Ocean matters and show off about your favourite sea creature! Share news articles on the Ocean that you find interesting – why not try starting a blog? Don’t forget to always add some Ocean Optimism! While you are at it, why not tell them about the #thinkOcean challenge and get them to come along for the journey?
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. Let our leaders know that you side with the Ocean. Signing petitions is a great way to spread the word on key issues and for individuals to ask governments for change.
How?
Find an issue you are passionate about and see if there is a petition running about it. Here in the UK you can find petitions through the government’s website and other online platforms. If you can’t find the petition you are looking for, go to step 6.
Step 3: Reduce your own carbon footprint by reducing the amount of energy you use in the home. This will also reduce your energy bills – a win for you and the Ocean.
Why?
The Ocean absorbs massive amounts of human generated CO2. We need to reduce our carbon footprint to allow it time to recover. Too much CO2 drives ocean acidification (the Ocean becomes more acidic making it difficult for animals and plants to survive). It can also contribute to Ocean waters warming – even a 1 degree change in our temperature makes us start to feel sick, imagine what the Ocean feels!
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. Share your successes on social media, use #thinkocean!
Step 4: Choose to work with or buy from companies with good environmental values.
Why?
Supporting companies with good environmental values will really help support the Ocean because it means you are buying products or funding companies that have a smaller carbon footprint, create less plastic waste, use less or no harmful chemicals and employ and educate staff who strive to create a healthy Ocean.
How?
Have a look at their Facebook page or website for their environmental values. Can’t find it? Drop them an email, if they have something in place that makes them more environmentally friendly they will want to brag about it. Ask friends and family for recommendations.
Step 5: Check who you are banking with – where does their money go?
Why?
Your money has the power to change the world. The cash in your bank account, pension, and personal investments may not seem to be a direct cause of greenhouse gas emissions. But the financial institutions you invest with and give your business to could be having a big impact on the environment. As a consumer with money to invest, the decisions you take about what to do with it can be surprisingly important.
How?
There are an increasing number of new, small banks marketing themselves as ethical and funders of solutions. Alternatives to banks, such as credit unions or building societies, are also often less likely to be funding fossil fuels due to the way they invest.
Step 6: Create a petition yourself to your local MP or government
Why?
We are all connected to the Ocean wherever we live, but often it is forgotten at government policy level. E-petitions are an easy way for you to make sure your concerns are heard by your government. In the UK E-petitions enable members of the public to petition the House of Commons and press for action from the government.
How?
Find something you are passionate about, do your research, ask yourself “does this need to change?”. If the answer is yes, then start planning your petition. Keep it to the point, focus on the solution, think who it is that can make the change and communicate urgency. Here in the Uk you can do this via the government’s website but you can also petition via social media!
Step 7: Explore the Ocean for yourself.
Why?
Jacques-Yves Cousteau once said “people protect what they love”, and we totally agree! There is also now a plethora of research that shows people are more likely to protect nature if they have experienced it first hand and see its value in their lives.
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. There is also amazing digital content available for free online, from relaxing videos of the Ocean lapping the shore, to exciting VR diving experiences – you don’t even need to leave your house to experience our wonderful Ocean!
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!
