No matter if you live by the coast or you’re miles from it, there are still plenty of family projects to save the ocean that you can get involved in any time, anywhere. To get started, here are some fascinating facts:
- The ocean covers 71 percent of our planet and amazing new creatures are being discovered every day.
- An estimated 50-80 percent of all life found on earth is under the ocean’s surface
- The ocean contains 99 percent of the living space on the planet. And yet less than 10 percent of that space has been explored by humans.
Now try one or all of these fun family projects to save the ocean:
Reduce use of plastics
This is the most threatening issue in our oceans: Most of the trash picked up on shores is plastic, which harms sea animals. Turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, birds get entangled in fishing line and animals get stuck in plastic wrappings. Trade in those plastic water bottles in favor of reusable tumblers with lids.
Reduce energy use
Climate change is linked to sea level rise and ocean acidification, both of which could drastically affect marine ecosystems. By energy-proofing your home, making sure to insulate properly, keeping your heating and cooling system maintained, and switching to energy efficient light bulbs, you’ll help reduce the effects of climate change, and save some money in the process!
Eat sustainable seafood
Another way to help the ocean is by paying attention to where your seafood comes from. Overfishing is a global problem, and many common fishing and farming methods result in major habitat damage. One of the simplest things you can do is ask your local grocery stores and restaurants if they sell sustainable seafood. If consumers make it known that sustainable food is what they are going to buy, eventually that’s what stores will sell!
Volunteer for a beach cleanup
Recruit volunteers — even if it’s just your friends and family — and clean up a local beach, lake, river, stream, or wetland. By spending part of a day picking up litter, we realize the trash in our local water sources will eventually make its way to the ocean.
Share with friends
One person can make a difference, but think how much greater an impact you’ll have if you recruit your friends to the cause! Tell your friends about the issues and use your social media platforms to raise awareness.
This feature comes courtesy of Seven Seas Illustration. Their goal of is to create beautiful and whimsical illustrations of creatures from the seven seas for children and adults, with a conservation twist. Learning about the many species, such as where they live and what they eat is a great way to understand their place in the chain of life and how we can help them thrive. Sign up online to receive a free set of printable stickers!
Now check out a few places where you could actually live near the beach and not spend a fortune.
Bring a fresh sea breeze into your own home and nourish Mother Earth at the same time by trying these fun and healthy projects to save the ocean.