Help save the oceans one plastic bag at a time
A seaside holiday is the highlight of the year for many families, but the ocean is in danger due to excessive pollution. Celebrate World Oceans Day by scaling down on plastic bags.
People all over the world are hosting events in celebration of World Oceans Day, which aims to support action to protect the ocean.
It is held every year on June 8 and this year the theme is Healthy oceans, healthy planet. This year’s main focus is to stop plastic pollution.
More than 8 million tons of plastic trash ends up in the ocean every year and people are encouraged to reduce the plastic they use and discard. It is estimated that about 80 per cent of the plastic trash in the ocean is carried there from land by rivers, streams and the wind.
Plastic ends up choking and killing ocean animals like sea turtles, whales and birds and acts as sponges for concentrated toxins.
Individuals can add their voice to the initiative to pledge to use reusable plastic bags instead of disposable ones for a year. To take the pledge or find out more about the initiative here: https://www.worldoceansday.org/
The Ocean Project has been promoting and coordinating World Oceans Day since 2002, in partnership with other organisations and networks. The day was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2008.
Reasons why we should celebrate World Oceans Day:
- It generates most of the oxygen we breath
- Helps feed us (via sea creatures)
- creates jobs for the fishing industry
- regulates our climate
- inspires artists, researchers and chefs
Even though we’re not close to the ocean, it has an effect on us as it provides us with a variety of foods. Just sit down at Ocean Basket or browse your supermarket’s isles and imagine how life would be without seafood.
Think about what the ocean means to you and how you can help preserve it for future generations and let us know in the comments section or on facebook.
