Here's a secret that shouldn't really be a secret: it's not hard to be a good patron of the sea! The ocean is the heartbeat of Earth, the origin of all life here. Not only does it provide food for billions of people every year, but it also generates oxygen and regulates the Earth's climate in ways that are crucial to our wellbeing. But there are a plethora of problems plaguing our oceans that inhibit it from thriving as it should. The concern for these issues grows each year as they become more detrimental to the ocean's future. But there's hope! Small choices can play a huge role in reversing the damage done--changes that we can make every day! Here are just a few simple ways to support ocean conservation in our everyday lives and help heal one of the most bountiful habitats on Earth.
We're always posting tips on conscious living and sustainability over on our Instagram (@foxyfossils)! Follow along as we use our handmade, ethically-sourced fossil jewelry to save our seas.
Why Is Ocean Conservation Important?
Several issues contribute to the rapid decline of the ocean and cause harm not only to the incredible marine life that calls it home but also to humanity. From extreme pollution and acidification to overfishing and climate change, our actions are doing real harm to marine life and the ocean's ability to provide crucial resources.
5 Things You Can Do Everyday to Promote Ocean Conservation
Here are five easy things you can do every day to make a considerable impact and fight for our ocean's health.
1. Plastic and Waste Elimination
While there's a vast number of ocean cleanup initiatives happening today, they can only do so much if multiple tons of trash are dumped into the ocean every day. It's similar to cleaning up water on the floor while the sink continues to overflow.
Did you know over 60% of marine trash is plastic? While recycling is a great thing to do, that should be the last possible option. Plus, in reality, much of recycled materials will still find its way into the sea. The best way to decrease ocean pollution is by eliminating as much waste as possible and reducing the consumption of particularly harmful products when found in the ocean--like plastic! If things don't change drastically, ocean pollution may even increase by a factor of 10 by 2030.
2. Reduce Energy Consumption
While the connection to ocean conservation may not be obvious here, reducing energy usage also reduces the toxicity emitted by power plants, promoting healthy ecosystems and a healthy planet. Like most things on this list, you can go big or small here! But you don't have to do anything life-changing like switching to solar-powered energy to make a big difference. Even actions as simple as turning off televisions or Keurigs when they're not in use or choosing energy-efficient light bulbs at the store can go a long way. It comes down to mindfulness, which is something we can all work towards!
3. Diet Consciousness
We've all seen the recent craze for dairy-free milk hit the Internet: almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, etc. While having so many variations of something as simple as milk has quickly become a bit of a cultural punchline, making the switch can actually benefit the environment and conserve a ton of water! In reality, simply using dairy-free milk in your coffee can reduce that drink's carbon footprint by over 65%. Crazy, right? Now multiply that by the cups of coffee you drink in a year. It really does start with small choices!
Bonus Tip: Always buy local when you can! Food grown locally has less distance to travel and therefore takes less energy and gas to transport it to you.
4. Pick Up Trash
One of the biggest things you can do to contribute to ocean conservation directly is picking up trash when you see it. Even if you aren't close to a beach, debris can travel hundreds of miles through drains, rivers, intercoastal waterways, and sewage systems, which all lead to (you guessed it) the ocean.
5. Be a Thoughtful Consumer
Ask questions before you purchase from a brand! Are they conscious of their environmental impact? Are they proactive about managing their waste? Choose to shop from sustainable and ethical brands that favor quality and eco-friendly practices over convenience and profit. It doesn't have to be an overly time-consuming process, but small decisions can make a big difference when done consistently. They're easy to find with a quick Google search!
To learn about other ways you may be able to reduce your carbon footprint, try out this Carbon Footprint Calculator.
Speaking of Supporting Ethical Small Businesses...
You can always be sure that you're supporting a mindful, ethical, and sustainable brand when you shop with Foxy Fossils. Not only are our products fully sustainable by using real fossils, but a portion of every sale goes to the South Carolina Aquarium to promote healthy sharks in the Great Ocean Tank and ocean conservation education. Take a look at our collections of earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and more to treat yourself while also treating the planet! After all, what could be better than jewelry that saves the seas?
