Every decision we make has an environmental impact

This means everyone can do something (or more than one something) to make our planet a bluer, healthier place to call home.

Our Ocean plays a critical role in regulating the climate and absorbing carbon emissions – most notably, through blue carbon ecosystems. So, taking Ocean action is in the best interest of all life on Earth.

Ocean action is climate action.

We asked the team at Ocean Generation – from those in our science team; to our founder, Jo Ruxton MBE; to those who manage our youth engagement programmes – to share the ways they take Ocean and climate action each day.

10 daily actions our team of Ocean lovers takes to protect the Ocean:

1) Omit unnecessary car travel

2) Don’t pour cooking oil down the drain

3) The best way to take Ocean action? Educate your inner circle about how important our Ocean is.

Wondering where to start?
Incredible Ocean facts for you:

• How does the Ocean produce over 50% of our oxygen? Basically: Photosynthesis. Scroll to discover the extraordinary capabilities of phytoplankton.
• The average depth of our Ocean is 4.5km. The deepest point? Over 11km!
• We know of 240,000 marine species (and a possible 91% wait to be discovered).
• How do you feel about octopuses? Here are 10 facts about octopi you probably didn’t know.
• By the time a great whale dies, it’ll have absorbed 33 tonnes of carbon. (Watch to learn more.)

4) Shop second-hand

5) Be a mindful toilet flusher

6) Share what you love about the Ocean with others

Fun fact: 2.5 billion people live within 100km of the coast. But, of course, not everyone can take a dip in the Ocean every day.

What you can do from afar is go on a virtual Oceanic expedition. Dive into Ocean ecosystems across the world on Google.

7) Say no to wet-wipes

8) Integrate environmentalism into your career

Easy ways to incorporate environmentalism into your work-life:

• Bring the Ocean’s health and welfare of the planet into conversation.
• Can you promote a paperless office?
• How about suggesting old devices get recycled instead of tossed?
• Try suggesting the use glasses instead of styrofoam cups at your next meeting or conference.
• Send e-cards during the festive season and for birthdays – you can even donate the price of a paper card to a cause you care about.

9) Make these easy plastic swaps – and then swear off unnecessary plastic items forever.

At Ocean Generation, we promote an inclusive approach to sustainability. We recognise that zero-waste, plastic-free, vegan, and zero-carbon lifestyles don’t work for everyone – and that’s okay. The world needs all of us to do what we can, within our means.

But in saying that, it’s also important to recognise that too many of us still use single-use plastics too easily. When did you last purchase a plastic bottle, a take-out coffee mug or use a single-use plastic straw?

Most single-use plastic items are unnecessary. There are (excuse the pun) an Ocean of eco-alternatives available.

It’s time to break up with unnecessary plastic. Identify what unnecessary single-use plastic you use. ✅ Make the switch to eco-alternatives. ✅ Commit to never going back. ✅

10) Do your best to take environmental action daily, and accept that ‘your best‘ looks different for everyone.

Post by

Storm Birch