The ocean covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface and is crucial in addressing climate change, supporting marine life and sustaining human livelihoods. However, the ocean is constantly threatened by human activities.
While large-scale conservation efforts are crucial to protecting it, individual human efforts also significantly impact the ocean’s health. Your choices — no matter how small — can create a ripple effect. Here are four small but impactful actions you can take to help protect the oceans.
1. Switch to Reef-Safe Sunscreen
People use sunscreen to protect themselves against the sun’s high UV rays. The sun usually emits two types of UV rays — UVA and UVB. Sunscreen absorbs the rays before they touch your skin, but most sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which cause coral bleaching, deform coral larvae and lower coral resilience to climate change.
If you’re a diver or occasional beach swimmer, you can protect the ocean by using reef-safe sunscreens. These sunscreens are designed to be environmentally friendly and contain active ingredients that are safe for the ocean water. Look for reef-safe labels with non-nano zinc oxide and share your favorite safe sunscreen with friends so everyone is aware of ocean safety and can help contribute to it.
2. Participate in Beach Cleanups
Every year, billions of pounds of trash enter the ocean through human activity on land and in the sea. Marine debris — specifically plastic waste — is one of the most harmful threats to the ocean’s ecosystem. When trash ends up in the sea, marine animals consume it, harming and sometimes killing them. Aquatic animals also become entangled in plastic objects, causing them to suffocate.
If you have free time, join organized beach cleanups or start your own. Even collecting litter during a walk on the beach helps prevent the litter from entering the ocean. Local cleanups can reduce the volume of waste entering coastal waters, improving habitats for marine life and making beaches safer and cleaner for everyone.
3. Reduce Household Pollution
Runoff from homes and urban areas can carry pollutants — such as oil, fertilizers and cleaning chemicals — into waterways that lead to the ocean. Vehicle emissions also release carbon dioxide, which affects the atmosphere and pollutes the ocean. The ocean’s absorption of carbon dioxide increases the water’s acidity levels, harming marine life and coral. For four centuries, the ocean has been absorbing around 30% of the carbon humans generate.
You can do your bit by responsibly disposing of chemicals and medications, using eco-friendly household cleaning detergents, and walking or using public transportation when possible. You can also help plant trees to combat excessive amounts of carbon dioxide. Lower carbon dioxide levels will prolong marine life, and an eco-friendly household encourages others to become eco-friendly, too.
4. Avoid Single-Use Plastics
Plastic pollution is a global crisis, with 2,000 garbage trucks’ worth of plastic thrown into the ocean every day. Single-use plastics like water bottles, straws and bags contribute significantly to ocean pollution. These items take years to degrade and often break down into microplastics, which are ingested by marine animals.
Choose reusable alternatives when possible. Carry a glass bottle instead of a plastic one, take your own shopping bags when running errands, and avoid using plastic straws and cutlery. If you support eco-friendly businesses that reduce plastic packaging, you’re contributing to the success of a company that prioritizes the earth and everything and everyone on it.
Small Choices Make Big Changes
You don’t need to live near the ocean to protect it — you can contribute to ocean health from your house. If you’re on vacation near the beach, dedicate 10 minutes to picking up litter, or use reef-safe sunscreen.
If you can’t physically help the ocean, reduce emissions and household pollution, and support eco-friendly businesses. Small changes in behavior by millions of individuals can create waves of positive change in the long run and inspire others to get involved.
