Ten Things You Can Do to Help the Ocean
1) Learn all you can.
Did you know state and local governments issue seafood contamination warnings
and beach closure warnings? Read labels and signs and ask questions. By learning
why a beach was closed or why certain seafood is contaminated, you may also
learn how to prevent it from happening again. Learn more about the ocean and
conservation by reading, watching films, attending lectures, or visiting
aquariums and museums.
2) Be a smart shopper.
The seafood choices that we make have an impact on the environment. Not all
seafood is created equal. There are good - and - bad choices for the ocean. Good
choices from wild fish come from populations that are healthy and managed in a
way to preserve the populations for future generations. Likewise, sustainable
fish farming respects the surrounding environment, uses water and other
resources wisely, and does not interfere with natural, wild fish populations.
Ask grocery stores and restaurants where their seafood comes from and if it was
caught or farmed in a way that protects the ocean.
For more information, see http://www.seafoodchoices.com/
3) Conserve water.
Use low-flow showerheads and faucets. Don't run water continuously when washing
dishes by hand, brushing your teeth, shaving or washing your face, or washing
your
car. Wash only full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine. Take
short showers. Check for leaky faucets and repair them. Water your lawn in the morning or evening to
reduce evaporation, and water it only when necessary. Put a trigger nozzle on your outdoor hose; it uses water more efficiently. It's not
necessary to water your driveway. After all, it won't grow.
4) Reduce "household
pollution."
The less herbicides and pesticides you spray, the less you will swim in! Use
lawn clippings, compost, or manure to fertilize your lawn and garden. Use
phosphate-free laundry and dishwasher detergent because phosphates in lakes and
rivers can encourage algae growth, which can suffocate aquatic life. Try
non-toxic products, such as baking soda or vinegar, instead of hazardous
chemicals for cleaning.
5) Reduce run-off.
Put trash in the can instead of the gutter. Use soap sparingly when washing your
car. If you must use chemicals on your lawn, don't spray on a windy day or when
rain is expected. To improve drainage and decrease run-off, avoid landscaping
with hard surfaces and instead select vegetation, gravel or other porous
material. Sweep your driveway and sidewalk to collect any toxic materials that
could be washed into waterways and properly dispose of the waste. Redirect rain
gutters onto your lawn or into collection barrels to water your garden. Scoop
pet waste. An estimated 15 tons of pet waste flows into ocean waters every day.
6) Recycle or dispose of all trash
properly.
Never flush non-degradable products, such as disposable diapers or plastic
tampon applications, down the toilet. These products can damage the sewage
treatment process and end up littering beaches and waters. Never throw cigarette
butts on the ground or out car windows. Pick up litter and avoid using
disposable products if at all possible.
7) Reduce oil pollution.
Fix car leaks! More oil enters the ocean from large tanker spills. Recycle used
motor oil. Much of the oil pollution in surface waters is caused by people
dumping used oil into storm drains. Buy a fuel-efficient car. Even better, drive
less! Walk, bicycle, carpool or take public transportation. Check underground
heating oil tanks for leaks.
8) Be considerate of ocean wildlife.
Never dispose of fishing line or nets in the water. They could entangle, maim,
injure or kill unsuspecting animals. Don't release helium balloons outside. They
could end up in the ocean and harm animals that mistake them for food. Minimize
your use of Styrofoam, which degrades into smaller pellets that also resemble
food. Cut open plastic six-pack rings; they can entangle ocean life.
9) Get involved.
Take part in a beach cleanup. Report illegal dumping to the local authorities,
the Environmental Protection Agency or the Coast Guard. Report full
catch-basins; your local department of public works should clean clogged storm
sewers. Contact your local government to learn the proper methods of disposal
for batteries, paint, appliances and other products. Encourage your local
government to recycle and upgrade sewage treatment systems. Urge public
officials to support measures that help the ocean.