Protect Our Oceans Day

With 71% of planet Earth’s surface being water covered, not including the water that exists in the air, icecaps, glaciers, and in the ground, it’s safe to say that water is a vital part of our everyday lives and of our futures. Unfortunately, the climate change that our planet is currently facing is causing some nasty consequences.

Excessive use of fossil fuels (such as coal, oil and natural gas) causes carbon dioxide emissions to be released into the atmosphere, which subsequently causes the ocean to absorb 80-90% of the heat emissions. Seeing as how the ocean is preserved at a delicate balance, the increase in water temperatures has caused devastation to the oceans wildlife due to melting glaciers and uninhabitable water temperatures. Along with the disappearance of habitable locations for marine wildlife, the carbon pollution being distributed into the air by fossil fuels has triggered a chemical reaction causing the pH balance of the water to drop, and therefore increasing the ocean’s level of acidity.
While the effects of carbon emissions already qualifies as mass devastation, unfortunately it is only the tip of the melting iceberg…
The effects of plastic pollution in the water, and the unsustainable marine agriculture practices have a huge impact on the future of the Earth’s oceans. eco18 encourages you to take part in protecting our oceans. By making a few simple changes to your daily routine, you can help create a more sustainable future. Here are a few ways you can get in on the action:
1. Go to the Government: When given the chance, elect leaders who are focused on committing themselves to fighting against existing and impending climate change. Along with this, another step you can take is reaching out to your representatives over the phone or through social media to encourage them to protect marine wildlife and reduce local carbon emissions.
2. Clean Up Your Carbon Footprint: One of the best ways to make an individual difference is by working to reduce your carbon footprint. You can do so by biking, walking or carpooling to work rather than driving. We also recommend taking into serious consideration the factor of fuel efficiency when car shopping. At home, remembering to simply shut off the lights and turn down the heat can make a world of a difference.
3. Reduce Your Meat Intake: To produce one pound of beef, 1,799 gallons of water are required in the process. Along with the excessive water consumption it takes to maintain livestock, livestock production is also a huge contributor to emissions that cause climate change. A good way to reduce your meat intake is by introducing “Meatless Mondays” or “Vegan Fridays” to your weekly routine.
4. Vote with Your Dollar: The products that your purchase signifies what you support, and the products that are in demand. And since plastics are so out of style, let the companies you purchase from know by purchasing their environmental friendly lines, or reducing your purchasing of their plastic products. Along with replacing your wasteful purchases with biodegradable and sustainable products, another way to protect the environment and the oceans is by supporting local restaurants and grocery stores.