You are part of the Heart shoal!
You love the Ocean and all its creatures. When you visit the beach or get into the sea you can feel it’s restorative benefits. You work to create a healthy ocean because you feel that it is our responsibility and want to have a positive influence on this amazing place.
Go with the flow! Gradually build your pro-Ocean habits on your #thinkOcean journey…
Step 1: Cut down on all single-use plastic
Why?
Millions of tonnes of plastic are still entering the Ocean every year – we have to cut it off at source.
How?
Invest in reusable bottles, cups and bags for when you are out and about or shopping. Check if there are alternative to the plastic wrapped food item you are about to put in your basket.
Step 2: Change your lightbulbs around the house for LED bulbs
Why?
The burning of fossil fuels to create the electricity contributes to climate change, warming the world’s Ocean and changing water chemistry.
How?
Research the brands affordable to you, you can change gradually as your old bulbs stop working.
Step 3: Cut down on all water use
Why?
Reducing the amount of water you use saves electricity because less water needs to be pumped and treated. It also reduces the amount of sewage that enters our Ocean, polluting important habitats like seagrass beds.
How?
Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, be mindful of how long your showers are, collect rainwater to water plants, only wash full loads in the washing machine, and scrape food from your dishes rather than rinse before you load the dishwasher!
Step 4: Take a fashion break.
Why?
The fashion industry contributes 10% of global carbon emissions! Less pressure on the electricity being used in the production and disposal of fashion means a lessened effect on all of the natural systems of our planet.
How?
Try just investing in one good quality item a month that will last longer. If you are having a wardrobe cull, make sure you either recycle or donate your old clothes.
Step 5: Think about what you eat
Why?
Reducing the pressure we put on meat production reduces our carbon footprint which means less carbon dioxide for the Ocean to absorb!
How?
Try committing to a meat-free diet one or two days a week.
Step 6: Rewild your garden and help something green to grow!
Why?
Trees and other plants can help reduce atmospheric carbon, and ultimately reduce the amount of carbon absorbed into the Ocean. Seagrass meadows absorb and store vast amounts of carbon – even absorbing carbon up to 35 times more efficiently than tropical rainforests.
How?
You could plant a tree or if you are in a small space, window boxes are a great alternative. Or, help fund our seagrass protection and restoration work by clicking here.
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. The Ocean Conservation Trust has lots of experiences which you can take part in 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!
