World Ocean Day 2023
Tomorrow is World Ocean Day! Our Waste Not Wednesday posts talk a lot about how our collective waste ends up in the ocean, particularly single-use items, but in honor of all our fish friends, we wanted to share a few hidden sources of ocean waste to avoid that may not be as obvious.
Ocean conservation actually starts on land, as waste eventually ends up in landfills and contributes to runoff that leaks into water, directly or through the ground. As we previously discussed, certain chemicals found in sunblock are even capable of killing off coral reefs, so it’s important to use reef-safe, mineral sunscreens and other products. It’s also important to pay attention to how products are manufactured, and that they aren’t being produced in an unsustainable way.
Another source of excess wastewater and runoff also starts on land, right at our tap. When we turn the faucet off between rinses, collect our rainwater for the garden, or wash our dishes and clothes in larger loads using efficient machines, we’re conserving fresh water for everyone and preventing that water from creating runoff that flows into the ocean instead.
When it comes to the ocean itself, a huge source of pollution and environmental destruction is fishing nets and gear. Overfishing itself can be a problem for marine life, so eating fewer fish might be an option for you. If you do eat seafood though, look for the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) label or check out their list of sustainable fish and fishing practices at msc.org.
Finally, be sure to shop for reusable, sustainable, and plastic-free items to prevent your personal waste from ending up in the ocean (check out our shop of sustainable alternatives), and be respectful of the habitats you visit, especially beaches and parks near water. If you want to do one better than preventing waste, we also recommend volunteering for a clean-up too!
The bad news is, we know our oceans are being polluted and it is affecting its ecosystems, but the good news is, we can and ARE making a difference through innovation and more sustainable choices. If we keep pushing for sustainability, we will see nature flourish, and our planet (and we) will be healthier for it.