Supporting the World’s Oceans
September holds a day of growing importance, National Beach Cleanup Day, and while it may not be a well-known holiday it is one you should mark down in your calendar. Regardless of whether or not you live on a shoreline the health and vitality of our World’s Oceans should matter to you. For one, it is estimated that up to 13 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year (equivalent to garbage truck load every minute!), and this marine plastic has impacted at least 267 species worldwide. But, if that’s not enough to get your attention, ocean conservation impacts more than just people who live near a beach, the ocean produces over half of the world’s oxygen and its balance plays a main role in combatting climate change.
I personally live nowhere near an ocean; my home is in the suburbs, 40 minutes north of downtown Toronto. But, thanks to my employer, theturnlab, I have grown a vested interest in the health of our oceans. You may be wondering how you can help:
Use less water– this will stop excess runoff and wastewater from flowing into large bodies of water.
Shop Wisely– Choose sustainable seafood, one great Canadian organization is Ocean Wise, who’s label you can find in grocery stores and restaurants across Canada.
Respect Habitats– If you’re out on the water or on the beach be cautious of what natural habitats are around you and try not to disrupt them.
Volunteer– Take part in shoreline cleanups, The Great Shoreline Cleanup allows you to either lead a cleanup of your own, or join an existing cleanup to make a difference, wherever water meets land.
In October, 2020 my office organized an employee shoreline cleanup where we cleaned the sandy shores of Lake Ontario. Just because you don’t live on a tropical beach or near an ocean shore doesn’t mean you can’t do your part in protecting our world’s oceans.
Sea you later AHAA Panel,
Tiana
