Saving the oceans

5 things we can all do

They cover two thirds of the earth’s surface. They provide us with 50% of the oxygen we breathe. They are a refuge for 80% of the living species on the earth. We are talking about the oceans, the ultimate resource to protect to guarantee our planet’s future. Unfortunately, the health of these waters has been put in danger by human activity, and we are altering their characteristics and undermining the foundations of their biodiversity ever faster. The most important fight of all is that against climate change, because it is the only thing that will allow all of the other problems to be faced. But what can each of us, on such a small scale, do to save the oceans?

First of all, reduce our use of single-use plastic. That means choosing packaging made from biodegradable materials, or recycled or recyclable plastic. Choosing re-fills over products in new packaging in order to reduce plastic waste, and avoiding buying unnecessary objects that are dangerous for marine fauna, such as plastic straws.

But there are also other things we can do to make our contribution to protecting the oceans. Discover what!

Reduce your ecological footprint

Reducing your carbon footprint is useful for the oceans, but also for the protection of the environment in general. Reducing your footprint means adopting a virtuous lifestyle, orientated towards limiting carbon dioxide emissions.

How can we do it? Take the bike instead of the car, the stairs instead of the lift (it’s good for your health, too!), remember to turn off the lights, try to shop from the nearest supermarket. If possible, install energy-saving devices or use sustainable sources.

If you are interested to know your ecological footprint and how you can reduce it, here is a useful quiz, created by the Swiss section of the WWF!

Saving the oceans is child’s play

It is never too early to start following good habits! Educating a new generation on environmental issues is fundamentally important for the future of the earth. Here are some activities you can do with the little ones, so that their environmental conscience grows along with them:

Discover re-use: a short expedition to collect rubbish on the beach or in the park can turn into an opportunity to discover how a piece of waste can become a work of art once you are back home. Re-using means giving a new life to objects, and a little respite to nature.
Grow a plant: entrusting a plant to a child helps them to get closer to nature with responsibility and awareness. Even better if it is a little vegetable garden: those without the possibility to have one at home can find out about urban gardens in their city!
Eating fish sustainably: if you decide to introduce fish into your child’s diet (or yours), remember to always choose fish products from sustainable sources. The MSC logo (Marine Stewardship Council), for example, certifies that the fishing enterprise is traceable, sustainable, and uses fishing methods that do not damage the oceans’ ecosystems.

Don’t wait, act yourself

But underneath it all, what better way to teach our children or grandchildren respect for nature than setting a good example? When you go to the beach, the river or the lake for a day of relaxation, give yourself a little goal: pick up three plastic objects left in the area. This is something we can all do to save the oceans, and we have strength in numbers! Taking a plastic bag or a piece of plastic packaging away from a stream of water is a small gesture that could save the life of a dolphin or a sea turtle.

Take care of your pets sustainably

Saving the oceans? We can do it while we are looking after our pets, too. Animals make us better people; let’s not disappoint them! Here is some advice:

First, check the labels of the food you buy for them to ensure the sustainability of the product, and choose recyclable packaging.
Don’t buy plastic toys – instead, look for ones made from natural fibres or biodegradable materials.
For shampooing your pet and cleaning the house, use biodegradable detergents.
If you have a cat, choose compostable litter: silicone-based ones are not water soluble and should never be flushed down the toilet!
Never release fish from your aquarium into the wild: this risks endangering entire ecosystems by introducing non-native species.

Find out how to save the oceans

To understand, you need to be aware, and to be aware, you need to do research. The oceans are immense, but there is no shortage of books, websites and documentaries about them! Even if the marine world remains a mystery – indeed, according to scientists we have explored only 5% of our oceans – there are countless sources you can use to find out about this fascinating world. Here you can find some links to start your exploration:

How deep is the sea? Find out with this interactive map.
How many metres below the surface does the clownfish live? And the blobfish? Dive in deep.
The Genoa Aquarium has made these videos available to all, and they are truly… immersive!