Why we’re buying more — And why it matters 

As children, we go through countless items such as clothes, pencil cases, water bottles, phones and more. We grow out of our clothes and our phases, making the pace of change incredibly fast. As we get older, the rise of microtrends and the convenience of online shopping makes buying new items easier than ever.  

Globally, on average each person wastes 1.7kg of garments post-production. Even though a report in 2021 has shown that eco-efficiency has improved, its output has doubled this century. This cycle of rapid consumption satisfies our short-term desires but carries long-term consequences, impacting the economy, the environment including our Ocean as well as affecting our own sense of satisfaction. 

But there’s good news: small changes in our buying habits can significantly reduce waste and protect marine ecosystems. By embracing mindful consumption, we can care for our planet while still enjoying the items we love. 

Memories in the things we own 

In my view, the items I own tell a story of different stages in my life. For example, when I was a teenager, I had a large pink thermal water bottle that accompanied me to every training session, competition, whether it was football, basketball or swimming and even trips. It wasn’t just a bottle—but it reflected that time in my life. Like that bottle, I have always tried to use my belongings to their maximum.  

But in recent years, I’ve noticed how it has become easier to replace items instead of cherishing what we already have. This throwaway mindset has an environmental cost. Every year, over 8 million tonnes of plastic waste enter our Ocean, much of it linked to single-use items and unsustainable consumption patterns. 

When trends inspire change

In 2019, the VSCO girl trend became a cultural moment—characterised by oversized T-shirts, scrunchies and the hydroflask. While some saw this as a fleeting fashion statement, it introduced many young people to eco-friendly habits. The phrase ‘Save the Turtles’ became popular, encouraging the use of metal straws and reusable bottles. 

Since then, I’ve continued to carry my reusable bottle everywhere—not just for the environment, but because it’s become a meaningful habit that I know makes a difference. I’ve also introduced the use of metal straws for my family which we still use to this day.  

Incentives have also encouraged sustainable behaviour. Many coffee shops now offer discounts for bringing your own cup—a simple yet effective way to promote eco-conscious choices. By switching to reusable cups, it can reduce carbon emissions threefold, demonstrating how a small action can have a big difference.  

The power of role models 

For some, sustainable habits are inspired not by trends but by values. My mum, for example, has always brought her own containers to the local markets in Bangkok, where plastic bags and foam boxes are the norm. Although unconventional, all the shop owners did not have a huge reaction and simply used the box as normal, showing their appreciation through a smile. Her quiet commitment to sustainability and her ability to act outside the norm without making it seem like a burden has shaped my own mindset.

Because of her influence, I’ve adopted many small habits that I do without even thinking, such as: 

• Collecting parcel packaging to reuse, which has been very useful for selling things on Vinted 
• Collecting wrapping paper and ribbons from presents (although I used to tear them up to shreds as a child) 
• Bringing a reusable cup to a coffee shop, even when I’m using another promotion that doesn’t give an extra discount for it 
• Collecting plastic bottles for recycling, especially in places where recycling bins are uncommon 
• Using delivery apps that tackle food waste such as Too Good To Go (I’m on my 9^th bag and I will be getting a discount for my 10^th! ) 
• I try to repair my clothes as much as I can but if I’m unable to or don’t have the tools, I just ask around and most of the time there is someone who is happy to help. A clothing longevity research from 2013 states that repairing clothes can extend its lifespan by 1.3 years  

Sometimes, all it takes is one person leading by example. My mum’s actions have shaped my approach to sustainability and shown me that small steps can create lasting change. 

My sustainable journey 

I now shop mostly from markets and charity stores, where I enjoy finding unique pre-owned pieces while reducing my environmental footprint. From my experience of moving cities frequently, embracing minimalism helped me focus on owning less but choosing better. My rule of thumb is to only buy a piece if I know that it will become a staple and that I’ll still like it in a few years’ time.  

At university, I joined the Climate Action Team at the University of Bath, where I helped promote sustainable initiatives amongst students. I also joined the Sustainable Fashion Society, which aligns with my interest in slow fashion and reducing waste. 

Protecting our Ocean, one choice at a time

Our choices as consumers ripple outwards. The products we buy, how long we keep them, and the waste we create all impact our environment—especially our Ocean. By embracing mindful habits like reusing items, supporting sustainable brands and making thoughtful purchases, we can reduce plastic pollution and contribute to healthier ecosystems. 

Whether inspired by trends, incentives or role models, every step toward sustainability matters.  

As my mum’s example has taught me, small changes can leave a lasting impact—one refillable bottle, reusable bag or packed lunch at a time. 

Thank you for raising your voice for the Ocean, Ferra!

Connect with Ferra via LinkedIn. Learn about how to submit your own Wavemaker Story here.

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Natthanicha Luengvoraphan

Ferra, from Thailand, is a certified island girl with a deep love for the beach. She believes in everyone's power to care for our planet and hopes to inspire action through her story.

Whilst the term ‘doing what we can’ is ambiguous, it is the argument that people do not know what they ‘can’ do to make a difference that is contributing toward a negative impact on our planet. Educating people on what they can do is the way forward. 

As Ocean Generation have said before, ‘you cannot do all the good the Ocean needs. But the Ocean needs all the good you ‘can’ do. This short piece will delve into the responsibilities of us as individuals to make a difference in order to support the beauty of the Oceans ecosystem for it to thrive for years to come. 

Turning eco-anxiety into action

One major challenge facing younger generations today is the overwhelming sense of responsibility they feel for the climate crisis. Unfortunately, the climate change crisis has been developing for decades, and simply being aware of it cannot undo the damage that has already occurred.  

A 2021 study found that 60% of 16–25-year-olds surveyed experienced climate anxiety and feared for the future of the planet due to climate change. It is evident that people want to make a positive change to help reduce the climate crisis, but the question is whether people know what they can do to benefit the environment. 

I have always felt a deep connection to the Ocean and its breathtakingly diverse wildlife  

I have been fortunate to dive and work along the edge of the Great Barrier Reef while also exploring reefs in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and even the UK. The sheer abundance and variety of marine life in these regions is truly astonishing, seeing these places on a daily basis filled me with immense joy and passion for this underwater ecosystem that sustains our planet.  

The more time I spent in these beautiful environments, the stronger my desire became to give something back. However, I soon hit a wall— I found it incredibly difficult to make a meaningful impact when I was totally overwhelmed with information on what I can do as an individual to reduce my negative impact on the Ocean environment.

This led me to explore the route of focusing on what I can control to reduce my impact rather than focusing on the more complex matters that require more than just my individual effort.  

Now this is not to say that larger matters that require multiple people as well as charities and support from NGO’s is not important. But the focus of this piece is to promote small changes that individuals can adopt which will ultimately lead to a small ripple of change turning into a big wave.  

The power of individual action: What we can do to make a difference 

From this perspective I came to focus on 3 core ideas: 

1.Reduce plastic usage:
Many people have a negative association with the use of plastics. Millennials and Generation Z in particular, possess a greater awareness of the adverse environmental impacts associated with the use of single-use plastics. Educating people further on the impact that single use plastic usage can have is an easy method of encouraging change in individuals in order to reduce waste in our Ocean. 

Reducing expenditure on single use plastics and instead reusing shopping bags, purchasing reusable water bottles and unpackaged goods will decrease the amount of rubbish going in landfill and subsequently our Ocean.  

We hear too many stories of our aquatic wildlife mistaking a piece of plastic as food or a home or food. By purchasing less of these plastics this will reduce the risks faced by the animals in our Ocean.

2.Take part in waste collection:
Secondly, we have a responsibility to care for our environment. By collecting litter on our beaches, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in our Ocean. Simply bringing a bag on your walk to collect litter can make a meaningful difference.

Regular beach clean-ups happen worldwide, checking social media or local websites will help you to find how you can get involved. It’s also believed that people who take part experience more hedonic values increasing positive emotion and thus decreasing climate anxiety.

3.Reduce unnecessary electricity usage:
Reducing our electricity usage is a crucial step in lowering our individual carbon footprint. A study conducted in 2011 focused on improving energy efficiency by adopting smart power management by turning off TV screens and lighting whilst not in use. While it may seem small, these efforts are essential in driving significant change.  

Incorporating these small changes into our daily lives can have a profound global impact. 

Just like a ripple that grows into a wave, individual actions can inspire widespread change. I want people to understand that every effort is incredibly important in sustaining our planet. 

Simply focusing on what we ‘can’ do will make a huge difference. When you act, you not only contribute to a healthier world but also inspire others to do the same.

For more reading on how to reduce and reuse plastic read this article from Ocean Generation.  

Thank you for raising your voice for the Ocean, Rossy!

Connect with Rossy on Instagram. Learn about how to submit your own Wavemaker Story here.

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Rossy Sheppy

Rossy has a strong passion for the Ocean. She travelled Australia working along the Great Barrier Reef on a boat and a part of her job was to promote education to young people about the Ocean and its importance as well as the diverse animals in the reef ecosystem. Seeing humpback whales breaching bought tears to her eyes. She hopes to help educate people on reducing their impact on our Ocean ecosystem so generations can live to experience the wonders she has.

That question might sound unbelievable, who would willingly harm the very thing that keeps them alive? But I’ve watched an entire community do just that.  

I grew up in Nigeria, in a house that backed onto a river. It was once a flowing, living thing, meant to bring life to our community. But instead, it became a dumping ground for pollution. 

Plastic bags. Broken furniture. Rotting food. People threw their waste into the river, believing the rain would wash it all away. But that’s a misconception, one that came back to haunt us. 

A river turned landfill 

The logic was simple: when the rain came, the flood would wash it all away. But where did “away” really mean?  

The truth is waste doesn’t just disappear. When it rains, the water doesn’t remove the pollution, it redistributes it. The river became clogged, struggling to flow. Eventually, the river by my home wasn’t a river anymore. It was a landfill disguised as water.   

And then came the floods. 

When the river fought back 

In Nigeria, rainfall isn’t a gentle drizzle, it’s an unforgiving downpour. I remember a storm so fierce that it tore the roofs off seven houses and stacked them onto an eighth. Water surged through the streets, carrying waste, bacteria, and destruction. Homes were lost. People were displaced. 

And yet, after the floodwaters receded, the cycle continued. The dumping didn’t stop. 

At the time, I didn’t fully understand why this was happening. Now, I do. 

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that 80% of Ocean plastic pollution comes from land-based sources, often through rivers like mine. This means that every bottle, every plastic bag, every discarded item that clogs local waterways doesn’t just cause floods, it travels further, affecting marine life and ecosystems far beyond what we can see.

And the consequences are far-reaching.

• Marine animals in the Ocean mistake plastic for food, leading to starvation or poisoning.
• Microplastics enter the food chain, affecting human health.
• Fisheries and coastal economies suffer, impacting livelihoods worldwide.

The power of small actions 

It’s easy to forget but every small action counts. 

Cleaning one gutter. Removing one plastic bottle. Stopping one person from littering. That’s how change begins. The river behind my grandparents’ house taught me a lesson I will never forget when we take care of our environment, it takes care of us in return. And the best part? It is not too late.  

The question is: What small action will you take today? 

Waterways like the one behind my grandparents’ house are part of a much larger system. What happens to small rivers affects bigger ones. And ultimately, all rivers lead to the Ocean.  

Studies show that over 75% of marine plastic litter items are accumulated from land-based sources. Land-based sources, including beach littler, contribute about 80% of the plastic debris. 

The effects are devastating. Beyond the impacts already mentioned, like microplastics entering the food chain and marine animals ending up entangled, coastal communities also suffer. Polluted waters affect fishing, local economies and tourism. 

And to think, it all starts with a single piece of plastic, tossed carelessly into a river. 

Taking back the river 

Every Thursday, my grandfather made sure we fought back. 

Armed with gloves, bags, and sheer determination, my cousins and I waded through the muck, pulling out waste that shouldn’t have been there in the first place. It was exhausting, endless work. Some weeks, it felt like our efforts were just a drop in the Ocean; we were making no difference at all. 

But then, something changed. 

People noticed. Some stopped dumping their trash. A few even joined us. It wasn’t a massive movement, but it was proof that small actions matter. 

The more I learned about environmental science, the more I understood that local efforts ripple outward. Cleaning one river may not fix the entire Ocean, but it’s a start. And sometimes, a start is all we need. 

Here’s how you can take action 

People often assume that environmental action requires large-scale efforts. But if a few young people cleaning up a river could make a difference, imagine what we could do if we all worked together. 

• Reduce your plastic use: Avoid single-use plastics like bags, straws, and bottles. Switch to reusable alternatives.
• Proper waste disposal: If you don’t see a bin nearby, hold onto your trash until you do. Small decisions prevent large-scale pollution. 
• Community cleanups: Organise or join a local cleanup effort. Even one event can remove hundreds of pounds of waste from the environment. 
• Educate and inspire: Share knowledge about the impact of pollution. Encourage friends, family, and neighbours to be mindful of their waste. 
• Support policies that protect waterways: Advocate for stronger waste management and plastic reduction policies in your community. 

Thank you for raising your voice for the Ocean, Rodiah!

Learn about how to submit your own Wavemaker Story here.

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Al-Ameen Rodiah

Rodiah is a student with a deep passion for writing and creating impactful content. Through her work, she aims to educate, inspire, and help others gain valuable knowledge and experience. Writing, for her, is more than just a skill, it’s a way to share important information and make a difference.

Whether we realise it or not, watching movies shapes our views. Movies may transport us to other worlds, but creating them has left an environmental footprint on this one.

In recent years the film industry has been undergoing a green transformation. In this article, I’ll dive into that with examples from popular films to share along the way. 

How did movies shape my view of the environment growing up? 

I vividly remember watching The Lorax and growing passionate about the cotton candied trees. The songs were catchy and meaningful, my personal favourite being ‘Let it Grow’ where the entire city celebrates Ted planting a seed, marking a new beginning. In the song, there was one line which really stuck with me.  

‘It’s just one tiny seed, but it’s all we really need’.   

At the time, I didn’t realise it, but that message planted a seed in me—an understanding that small actions can spark big changes. 

Another unforgettable movie I watched growing up was Finding Nemo. It was one of the reasons I first fell in love with the Ocean and marine life. I learnt about different species of animals, the food chain and the importance of marine conservation. 

Now, seeing the film industry actively start to implement sustainable practices is incredibly inspiring. Stories we tell on screen can extend beyond entertainment—they can raise awareness on important issues and inspire real-world action.  

Sustainable filmmaking in action 

The green set of ‘Avatar: The Way of the Water’  

Having the opportunity to watch the film in 4D, I was captivated by the visuals, especially the underwater scenes, but what impressed me even more was finding out how the film’s environmental message was reflected in its production. 

Most of the film was shot in Manhattan Beach Studios, where the sound stages were powered entirely with solar energy. The production also implemented water conservation measures, saving over 108 million litres (29 million gallons) of water, and was the first Hollywood blockbuster to serve only plant-based food on set.

By considering every aspect of their impact, big and small, the team ensured that sustainability wasn’t just a theme in the movie but a practice behind the scenes.

The most sustainable blockbuster in Sony Pictures: The Amazing Spiderman 2 

Spider-Man is my favourite heroes because of his charming humour and how he saves the day by avoiding unnecessary destruction (unlike, say, the Hulk). But what makes The Amazing Spider-Man 2 truly stand out isn’t just the action-packed web-slinging. 

This movie production embraced the circular economy where the set design team took in over 49 tonnes of recovered or donated raw materials and the wardrobe department implemented a textile recycling program.  

For special effects, the snow was biodegradable, and the atmospheric smoke was water based instead of the traditional oil-based smoke.

The eco manager has emphasised the importance of sustainability in film production because “the entertainment industry is one of the most influential industries in our society”

With that being said, I believe that her message is loud and clear: With great power comes great eco-responsibility.

How you can take action 

The film industry’s journey toward sustainability isn’t just for insiders, and it still has a long way to go. But as an audience member, you have more influence than you think. Here’s how you can make a difference: 

• Stream wisely: Streaming platforms consume massive amounts of energy. Avoid leaving content running when you’re not actively watching. 
• Support green films: Choose to watch movies and series that prioritise eco-friendly production. Some of my favourites include Seaspiracy (2021) and My Octopus Teacher (2020), which highlight environmental issues. 
• Get involved creatively: If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, adopt sustainable practices in your projects. Use local resources, minimise travel, and reduce single-use materials. 
• Look for green filmmaking standards: Certifications like Albert (a leading UK-based initiative) help productions track and lower their carbon footprint. Learning about these can inspire sustainable choices in your own creative work.

Filmmakers are not just storytellers; they are influential voices who can shape public perception and inspire action.  

By embracing sustainable practices behind the scenes and embedding environmental messages within their narratives, they have the power to drive real change. 

As audience members, we also have a role to play. By supporting eco-conscious films and making mindful choices about how we consume media, we can contribute to a more sustainable future. After all, the most compelling story is the one where we all play a part in creating a better world. 

Thank you for raising your voice for the Ocean, Ferra!

Connect with Ferra via LinkedIn. Learn about how to submit your own Wavemaker Story here.

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Natthanicha Luengvoraphan

Ferra, from Thailand, is a certified island girl with a deep love for the beach. She believes in everyone's power to care for our planet and hopes to inspire action through her story.

There’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored. It’s only natural that more people, like myself, want to go and experience everything our planet has to offer.

Whilst some may see tourists flocking to an area as a positive for the local economy, the impact on local wildlife is often forgotten.  

When I travelled across Australia and New Zealand, I was excited to immerse myself in the wonderful array of wildlife they have to offer. I wanted to be able to experience these places without harming the environment or exploiting wildlife. Choosing ethical tours was important to me, supporting conservation, local communities, and the delicate ecosystems that make these places special. 

In this article, I’ll be sharing insights about how eco-tourism can have a positive impact on marine life and offering helpful hints to help you make informed choices on your next trip of a lifetime.

What is eco-tourism?

Eco-tourism is all about traveling in a way that respects and benefits both the natural environment and local communities. It’s about making meaningful connections with the world around us while ensuring we leave a positive impact.

Whether it’s visiting conservation areas, participating in wildlife tours like snorkeling trips, or choosing eco-friendly accommodation, eco-tourism opens up opportunities to experience the planet in a sustainable and enriching way. 

Eco-tourism is also a fantastic way to spread awareness of conservation issues. People tend to care more about issues they witness first hand. Educating travelers while they’re immersed in the environment helps break down barriers and inspires them to actively support conservation efforts. 

One of my most memorable experiences was going snorkelling with manta rays in Ningaloo reef – an experience I will never forget. Swimming with such majestic creatures in their natural habitat was a true privilege, made even more meaningful by being guided by locals who prioritised the safety and well-being of all the wildlife we were lucky enough to encounter.  

The locals ensured we followed respectful practices, like maintaining a safe distance from the mantas and avoiding swimming directly over them to prevent undue stress.

The local guides shared their knowledge of wildlife and conservation efforts in the area, something that has inspired my own journey into the world of marine conservation. Since my travels, I have volunteered with various charities, from boat surveys collecting vital data to running educational talks helping spread awareness and inspire others.

Why does choosing ethical tourism matter?

Supporting ethical tourism isn’t about doing things perfectly – it’s about making mindful decisions. Many local tour operators work tirelessly to preserve wildlife and protect the planet. By choosing them you can contribute to conservation and sustainable livelihoods all while having unforgettable experiences in nature. 

What I learned about mindful travel: Tips to travel with purpose

There’s no one-size fits all approach to eco-tourism, but here are a few tips that have helped me: 

1.Researching local operators – Looking for local tour operators was a great place to start when I was searching for eco-friendly trips. Choosing local companies gave me the confidence that they truly valued and cared about the local community and environment often with a key emphasis on conservation. Checking reviews, certifications, and the company’s values was a helpful way to decide their practices align my own.  

2. Trust your instincts – Nobody is perfect, despite your best efforts. I experienced this when I visited a wildlife park, that wasn’t what I expected. If something feels off, whether it’s overcrowding, unethical practices, or harm to wildlife, don’t feel embarrassed to walk away. You won’t always get it right, and that’s okay. The key is to learn from experience. 

3. Support local business – I found choosing locally owned accommodation, restaurants, and tour operators a great choice. You get the best locally sourced food and the best travel tips. They are the people who care deeply about the area, and this allows you to support them directly. If you’re lucky, they often offer deals on local excursions, which is invaluable when traveling on a budget, like I was.

Leaving a positive footprint

Every small step we take to travel more sustainably adds up. While social media is a great tool for discovering inspiration and opportunity, it’s equally important to do your own research. Learning about wildlife and ecosystems through documentaries, books, or reputable online sources helps you understand what feels right and what to watch out for. 

By making informed choices, we can ensure that the places we visit remain beautiful and thriving for generations to come. 

Thank you for raising your voice for the Ocean, Amelia!

Connect with Amelia on LinkedIn, follow her on Instagram or learn about how to submit your own Wavemaker Story here.
Cover image by Will Nolan.

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Amelia Perkins

Amelia is a veterinary science graduate and aspiring marine mammal scientist, hoping to inspire and educate the next generation in conservation.

The first time I felt the water wrap around me, I knew I had found something special.

It was a crisp morning when I approached the Ocean, the sun barely peeking over the horizon, casting a golden hue over everything it touched. I had always loved water—its ebb and flow, the way it seemed to have a life of its own—but that day was different. 

As I slid into the Ocean, the cool water enveloped my body, instantly washing away the heaviness that clung to me like a second skin. The weight of my disability, the constant ache in my joints, and the ever-present strain of daily life seemed to dissolve, leaving only the sensation of being cradled by the gentle waves. 

Despite my inability to swim, I felt a profound sense of autonomy in the water.  

I could maneuver myself, floating with the gentle currents that brushed against me, guiding me wherever they wished. I had often felt confined to my wheelchair, limited in movement and opportunities, but here, I was liberated. I was in control of my own body in a way I hadn’t experienced on land. Each push and pull of the water felt like a dance, a rhythm that allowed me to glide, sway, and spin in a graceful ballet, even if I wasn’t swimming in the traditional sense. 

Floating on my back, I gazed up at the sky, the clouds shifting and morphing into fantastical shapes. It felt as if the Ocean was whispering to me, reminding me of a freedom I often forgot existed. Each ripple that passed over me was like a hand brushing away my worries, the pressure in my body gradually releasing with every gentle movement of the water. 

It reminded me of the hydrotherapy sessions I’d attended, where the water was meant to heal, yet those moments had always been tinged with the stinging scent of chlorine and the sounds of shouting voices. Here, those distractions were removed. The Ocean was pure and unadulterated, a sanctuary where I could truly appreciate water in the way it had been intended—soft, soothing, and enveloping. There was no urgency, no pressure to perform or meet expectations; just the serene rhythm of nature and my own breathing. 

I took a deep breath and sank beneath the surface, feeling the coolness surround me like a protective cloak.  

In the quiet depths, I found a serenity I craved. It was just me and the water, the world above muted and distant. I closed my eyes and listened to the soft thrumming of my heartbeat, the rhythm syncing with the gentle lapping of waves against my skin. In those moments, I was no longer defined by my disability; I was simply a part of the Ocean, a drop in an endless sea. 

With each visit, the Ocean became my sanctuary.  

I would return time and again, ready to release the pressures of the outside world. The water was more than a refuge; it was a partner in my journey, granting me a sense of autonomy that I struggled to find on land. I could move freely, guided by the water’s embrace, discovering the possibilities that lay within me. It taught me that sometimes, to find solace, I simply needed to surrender to the flow. 

Thank you for raising your voice for the Ocean, Phoebe!

Connect with Phoebe on LinkedIn, or learn about how to submit your own Wavemaker Story here.

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Phoebe Allen

Phoebe is a disabled poet and cyber security student. She loves writing about the natural as it’s our connection to wider humanity.

“As we offer the sea our prayers and coconuts, we remember our bond with her, for she gives and we take, a balance we strive to keep.”

– Poonam Keni from Koli Community, Ratnagiri, India 

My journey with Ocean conservation has been a winding road, and perhaps its most meaningful turn happened not with science or activism, but through tradition. Specifically, by witnessing the age-old festival of Narali Purnima with the Koli fishing community in Mumbai.

This festival, dedicated to Varuna, the god of the Ocean, is a humble, and powerful expression of respect for the sea, its drama, and its bounty. 

Growing up, my approach to Ocean conservation was straightforward: remove waste, reduce damage, respect marine life.  

But stepping into the celebrations of Narali Purnima added layers of understanding I hadn’t anticipated. Narali Purnima, observed each year as the monsoon season draws to a close, signals the beginning of the Koli’s fishing season.  

The festival’s name is derived from “naral,” or coconut, which the community offers to the Ocean in gratitude and as a request for safety. To the people, this is more than a custom, it is a reminder of their dependence on the sea and an annual reaffirmation of their respect for it. 

The scene is one of breathtaking beauty. Women wear vibrant saris and adorn boats with garlands of marigolds and coconuts. There is an aarti (prayer) ceremony for Lord Varuna, asking for his blessings over the waters. The coconut here represents both the past season and the promise of a new one, while it gently floats off the sea’s surface. 

The atmosphere hums with reverence as the community gathers, each person carrying an awareness that they are not just taking from the sea, but exchanging, returning, and showing their respect for the Ocean’s endless generosity. 

But it’s not just about the visual splendour, Narali Purnima is timed to respect the sea’s cycles.   

For centuries, the Koli people have refrained from fishing during the monsoons, allowing the fish populations to replenish undisturbed. It’s an act of sustainability practiced long before modern conservation came into existence.

As I observed this, it struck me: the festival is more than ritual. It’s a reflection of the community’s ancient understanding of balance, a balance that the rest of the world is only beginning to fully recognise.

At its core, Narali Purnima is about living harmoniously with the Ocean. Watching this tradition, I felt that conservation is not just about imposing limits and strategies but also about adopting an attitude of mutual respect. The Kolis don’t see themselves as separate from the Ocean; rather, they see their lives intertwined into its cycles.  

It was in this moment that I truly understood conservation is a matter of listening, of respecting the wisdom that traditions carry and remembering that communities like the Koli have honoured these principles for generations. 

As I continue my work in Ocean conservation, I now carry the spirit of Narali Purnima with me.  

It’s a lesson in humility and respect. It’s a reminder that protecting the Ocean is a shared responsibility, and one that must honour both the science and the cultural wisdom surrounding us. The Ocean, after all, sustains not only marine life but also the human lives bound to it through tradition, sustenance, and spirit. And for that, the least we can do is offer a humble coconut in gratitude. 

As I reflect on the lessons of Narali Purnima, I am reminded that conservation is more than an act; it’s a lifelong bond of respect and gratitude. The Koli community’s traditions teach us that the Ocean’s well-being is intertwined with our own, urging us to protect its abundance for future generations. 

“The sea is our mother—she gives us life, and we must care for her as she cares for us.” – Koli Proverb 

In every season and every offering, the Kolis remind us that true conservation is about honouring this relationship, ensuring that the Ocean can sustain and nurture us all. 

Thank you for raising your voice for the Ocean, Ajay!

Connect with Ajay on Instagram, LinkedIn, or learn about how to submit your own Wavemaker Story here.

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Ajay Sawant

Ajay Sawant is an award-winning Ocean-climate communicator and EE 30 Under 30 honoree. He works as the President at ThinkOcean Society and is the High Seas Youth Ambassador for Asia (India). He is also the founder of Generation Artivism.