June 8th is officially designated as World Oceans Day and it has been celebrated since 1992. The purpose of this designation is to honor the world’s oceans and to celebrate the products the oceans provide. So, have you hugged your ocean today?
I was born in Ohio and raised around fresh water lakes. Lake Erie was only a stone’s throw away from my home and the beauty of the Great Lakes influenced my choice of careers. Though my upbringing has been on fresh water bodies, I know the importance of oceans and the quality of life that we have on this earth because of them.
“People protect what they love.” Jacques Yves Cousteau
The following “hugs” will improve our oceans:
Hug #1. Eat only Sustainable Fish
Oceans are being habitats are being destroyed and over fished. Choose seafood that is both healthy and sustainable when you buy groceries or go out to a restaurant.
Hug #2. Keep the Beaches Clean
Enjoy the ocean without disrupting the wildlife or removing rocks and coral. Participate in beach cleanups and encourage your friends to clean the shores as well.
Hug # 3. Use Fewer Plastic Products
Plastic products kill marine life and the improper disposal of it creates large floating islands of plastic. Reduce your use of plastic by making reusable water bottles, using a cloth tote bag for shopping and recycle it whenever possible.
Hug #4. Use Less Fertilizer
Fertilizers are used extensively in gardens and agriculture and the excess ends up in the ocean. Excess fertilizers decrease the oxygen in the ocean and impact marine life by decreasing their habitat. Oxygen depleted areas are called anoxic zones and cover large areas within the oceans.
Hug # 5. Advocate for Cleaner Oceans
Educate yourself about the oceans and advocate on their behalf. Find a local or national organization and support them financially and with your participation.
Sue G. Schneider
Sue G. Schneider is a veteran in the water industry with more than 30 years experience with utilities and environmental management. She is active in the organizations that serve the water industry and she is committed to personal and corporate philanthropy.
(reposted by permission from www.ripplethewater.com)
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