16 Nice Things You Can Do For The Ocean

Did you know the ocean is responsible for 50 - 85% of our atmosphere's oxygen? Do you want to know why?

Phytoplankton.

When our world's phytoplankton population do their thing and photosynthesize (use carbon dioxide and sunlight to make food for themselves), a byproduct is a shitload of oxygen. That is then released into the atmosphere, and we breathe it.

Here is the problem. We are suffocating our oceans with plastic pollution, oil spills, overfishing, and other terrible stuff. We treat the ocean like a dumpsite. Out of sight, out of mind... right?

Wrong. If the oceans die, we die.

So besides writing letters to companies and the government to do something, there is a lot we can do on our personal level to help the oceans. I've made a little list.

1. Actively pick up trash on the beach if you see it. No matter how small or large... or gross.

2. Don't leave trash on the beach in the first place. It does not matter if it's "biodegradable."

3. Choose a sunscreen that will not damage coral reefs. Here is a good resource to help you find the right cream. 

4. Refuse the straw.

5. Refuse the to-go cup.

6. Actually, just bring your own cup.

7. Cut out seafood to "save the fishies."

8. Refuse plastic bags at the mall, grocery store, boutique shop, etc. Bring your own.

9. Just bring your own thing at all times.

10. Don't use products that exploit marine life. How will you know if a product does that? Well, just a simple Google search will give you most answers. Do your research.

11. Get gas from companies that have actually taken responsibilities for their accidents like oil spills. Exxon Mobil is a terrible company altogether by the way. So if anything, say no to Exxon. They don't actually care about the environment, no matter what they are "promising."

12. Try to use public transportation, walk, or bike.

13. Swap plastic products for eco-friendly ones. Ever hear of the Pacific Garbage Patch?

14. Support companies that encourage cleaning up the ocean, such as 4Ocean.

15. Use your vote to do good for the environment.

16. Encourage change in your community, especially if you live on the coast.