10 Changes You Can Make in Your Lifestyle to Help the Ocean and Environment
Do you want to make changes in your lifestyle to help save the ocean and change the environment but you aren’t sure where to start? This blog is for you then! We have put together a list of easy lifestyle changes that you can make to have a big impact. Start with these small changes and the environment will thank you.
Leave Nothing Behind When Visiting the Beach
As people flock to the beaches they often leave their trash behind. Don’t be part of the destruction and instead take your trash with you. Bonus points if you bring a reusable shopping bag instead of a single use plastic bag for your trash.
Use a Reusable Water Bottle Instead of Plastic
An estimated 17.6 billion pounds of plastic leaks into the environment from land-based sources every year. A reusable water bottle is a simple way you can help this problem. Also shameless plug, you can purchase the Change The Current reusable water bottle if you are in need of a reusable water bottle. Check out @graphics4change on Instagram for purchasing directions.
Conserve Water; so excess runoff and wastewater does not flow into the ocean
There are around 100 ways that you can conserve water but a few easy ones to get you started include turning off the tap when you are brushing your teeth, taking short showers and/or use a shower instead of a bath, making sure you have no leaks in your house, and turning off the tap while you are scrubbing your hands during hand washing.
Recycle, Recycle, Recycle!
People often know they should recycle but they think that their self or their family doesn’t make a difference but it really does. When one person or family recycles they are becoming part of saving energy, protecting animals and helping climate problems.
Be Smart with Your Seafood Choices
Overfishing is causing fish levels to decline in the ocean. This blog is about making lifestyle choices so if you feel that you cannot give up seafood completely, that is okay. Another option is to be smart when you are purchasing seafood. Make sure when you visit a supermarket or eat out that you are purchasing sustainable seafood.
Walk, Bike, Carpool or Take the Bus
As the ocean warms it negatively impacts marine life in the ocean. If the idea of completely cutting out your car scares you there are ways that you can still help your carbon footprint. One example is when you run errands, make a list and choose one day of the week to run the errands because this avoids multiple trips. Another example is to start a carpool within your neighborhood for taking children to school or driving to work offices within a few miles of each other.
Be Efficient with Your Dishwasher and Laundry Machine
Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when it is full to help save energy, reduce your carbon footprint, and conserve water. Use cold water whenever possible when you are washing your laundry. When you are buying supplies for your dishwasher and laundry machine choose eco-friendly cleaners.
Purchase from Companies that Donate a Portion of Their Profits to the Environment or Ocean
A few companies that donate a portion of their profits to save our planet include Patagonia, Greater Good, and Conscious Step.
Cut Down on Plastic and Toxic Chemicals
Opt out of plastic whenever you can and especially single use plastic like plastic bags. Two simple ways to get you started are to invest in a cheap reusable grocery bag and start purchasing environmental friendly chemicals for your home.
Don’t Purchase Items Containing Marine Life Products
Avoiding purchasing anything that was made using marine life a few examples include tortoiseshell hair accessories, coral jewelry, shark products like teeth and fins, and cosmetics that have traces of whales or sharks.
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