How You Can Help Keep Our Oceans Clean and Healthy

Everyone today who uses our oceans and waterways is also the steward of these natural treasures for generations to come. As the world’s populations increase and these once inexhaustible resources become taxed, we cannot expect to use them in the same way as those of the past. Here are some things you can do, to make your own life more ocean-friendly, as well as how you can let national legislators know that these issues are important to you.

Lifestyle Changes

Making these small changes in your daily life can add up, to keep our coastlines as pristine as possible.

Reduce Personal Water Usage: A low flow of fresh, clean water into lakes and oceans is one cause of pollution and degradation. Reducing the amount of water you use will mean that more of it ends up where nature intended.

  • Use rainwater catchment to water plants and your lawn
  • Learn about greywater; use it flush toilets and water your yard
  • Replace your turf lawn with a more environmentally friendly natural meadow or garden of native plants
  • Limit shower time; don’t leave the sink running

 

Don’t Put Chemicals Into the Water Supply: Toxic chemicals in storm runoff are a leading polluter of the oceans.

  • If you use a septic system, get it checked regularly for leaks
  • Don’t wash your car at home; use a car wash with a catch for oil and other chemicals that will come off your car
  • Only use organic or natural plant fertilizers in your yard
  • Pick up your pet’s waste; it may sound silly, but pet feces is another contributor of bacteria and pathogens in rivers and oceans
  • Always properly recycle any used motor oil or other dangerous chemicals

 

Compost and Recycle: Trash is a huge polluter of our oceans and coastlines. Participate in a composting program if your city has one, or start a home compost. Reduce your consumption, and when you do need to buy, look for products that are recyclable.

Eat Sustainable Seafood: Your effort to eat only sustainable seafood will mean that our overfished waters have a chance to recover before it’s too late.

Be Energy Smart: Global warming has a drastic impact on the environment; visit our global warming page to see what you can do to be more energy efficient.

 

Contact Your Congressperson

Staying informed about current legislation that affects the environment is a key way to make sure that the oceans stay well-preserved. Check the National Resource Defense Council’s action center page for bills that are up for vote, relating to environmental issues. Locate your House and Senate representatives and write them about specific bills, and about your investment in the health of our beaches and oceans in general.

 

More Ways You Can Help: