Giving back for Christmas: Ocean-friendly gestures

Giving back for Christmas: Ocean-friendly gestures

Why not take advantage of the Christmas Spirit and consider implementing new habits in your routine as a way to give back to the ocean? After all, we must thank the sea for keeping us alive, safe, paid and fed, hence it seems only fair that it benefits from the season of goodwill as well.

Here are a few effortless lifestyle choices that can help protect and restore our oceans for future generations:

GO PLASTIC-FREE

Say no to single use plastics such as straws, plastic cutlery, coffee cups, water bottles, plastic bags, balloons, plastic-wrapped produce, and take-out food containers. These often end up in the marine environment and never go away!

Glass, silicone, or stainless-steel containers are a good alternative to plastic and much more sustainable, as these can be re-used many times.


AVOID OCEAN-HARMING PRODUCTS

There are many products in the market directly linked to causing harm to endangered marine species, as well as supporting unsustainable fishing methods and pollution.

For instance, cosmetic products containing shark squalene, as well as jewelry made of coral should be avoided at all costs, as these imply a threat to important marine species and ecosystems.


STOP CHEWING-GUM

Though this might seem odd, chewing gum is actually made of a synthetic rubber that’s plastic, and it’s classified as the world’s second most common form of litter after cigarette butts.

Conventional gum is not biodegradable; therefore, many fish end up consuming littered gum involuntarily, which accumulates toxins overtime. These are then reintroduced into the food chain when we eat the fish.


MIND WHAT YOU PUT DOWN THE SINK

Selecting the right cleaning products can be a tricky matter, as companies are allowed to stick the words biodegradable, natural and green on pretty much anything.

Here’s a tip that can help: Look for Phosphates on the label.

One might think phosphates are good because they help support and grow algae, but too much of it causes algae to grow too fast and the ecosystem cannot handle it, causing marine life to go out of balance and leading to species decline.

Evolution can supply organic and environmentally cleaning products and we are also able to source more ocean-friendly products.


EDUCATE YOURSELF

All life on Earth is connected to the ocean and its inhabitants. The more you learn about its issues, the more you’ll realize that it is time to make a change in your lifestyle in order to help preserve the ocean. Make sure you share that knowledge to educate and inspire others to pitch in.


Saving the oceans might feel like an overwhelming task, but if we all pitch in, every little gesture can make a huge positive impact.