Tomorrow (22nd April) marks Earth Day, over 200 million people in over 141 countries are on board, raising awareness of environmental issues. The Earth Day theme for 2017 is environmental and climate literacy, there are many events taking place across the globe, check out the EarthDay.org website for further information.
While there will be some huge topics for discussion on a global scale, we thought we would look at how simple lifestyle changes we can make everyday, which will have an impact on our planet, focusing on the health of our oceans:
- Use fewer plastic products: This is as easy as carrying a reusable tote instead of relying on plastic bags, using a reusable water bottle and coffee cup to save non-recyclables being washed away; and recycling whenever possible.
- Walk or cycle: Carbon emissions from cars are responsible for heating up our oceans and endangering marine life.
- Don’t buy things that will be harmful to marine life: While a ban on plastic microbeads has been agreed, some cosmetic companies have made voluntary commitments to phase out the use of microbeads by 2020. So until then, avoid buying beauty or dental products with microbeads in, they’re so dangerous to our ocean wildlife.
- Love your local beach and waterways: Sadly, many beaches and areas near water are often littered, which has led to local communities organising clean-ups to pick up the unwanted debris that ultimately ends up at sea. Have a look in your local area to see if a clean-up is being organised, and if not? Organise one yourself, it’s very straightforward!
- Choose sustainable fish: if you’re eating in or out and fish is on the menu, make sure the fish has come from a sustainable source. While there has been a gradual shift in attitude towards bad fishing practices, unsustainable fishing and exploiting natural habitats have seen many of our species of fish dwindle.