There seems to be a lot of discussion in the political arena over whether or not global warming and climate change are real. The vast majority of the population looks at the melting icecaps and rising sea temperatures and sees a problem. Others dismiss the signs as the rantings of liberal alarmists. What should not be argued however is how vital the oceans are to human survival, which makes Ocean Conservation the responsibility of everyone.
You don't have to completely change your life to become a responsible steward of the planet. There are simple things you can do everyday, and teach your children to become aware of, that will make a difference. Biking or walking instead of taking a gas powered vehicle to travel just a few blocks, is one way to help. Everyone can remember to turn lights off and thermostats up when they leave for the day.
Plastic is such a part of our lives that we don't think about using something else that would work just as well. We now have actual islands in the Pacific and Atlantic consisting of nothing but trash. The convergence of currents and wind has drawn our refuse to areas of the Sargasso Sea and what is known as the Pacific Garbage Patch. Instead of plastic, try using cloth shopping totes, and recycle everything you can.
Beaches are amazing wonders of nature. People love to visit them and sometimes leave their trash behind like calling cards. You should teach your children to pick up everything around them when they leave a beach. They need to understand that, when diving, snorkeling, and swimming, it is not acceptable to collect coral and underwater rocks for souvenirs.
Eating seafood is great as long as you avoid the temptation of delicacies created from endangered wildlife. You should refuse to consider anything in a restaurant or market except sustainable seafood. Coral necklaces, shark's teeth, and tortoiseshell combs are interesting objects in many beach side shops, but purchasing any of them will send the wrong message to your children. You need to explain that exploiting marine populations is not acceptable
Pet owners need to read labels and choose sustainable seafood for pet diets. If you have an indoor cat, never flush the litter. The pathogens can get into water sources and harm marine life. When choosing fish for a tank, avoid wild saltwater fish, and never dump aquarium contents into the ocean.
Concerned individuals, who don't know much about conservation, should educate themselves. How your elected officials vote on these issues is a matter of public record. You can teach your children to make informed decisions when it comes to supporting restaurants and seafood markets that will only offer sustainable seafood.
We may not be able to destroy the earth, but we can destroy our ability to inhabit it. Plenty of damage has already been done. It is up to each individual to prevent further harm.
You don't have to completely change your life to become a responsible steward of the planet. There are simple things you can do everyday, and teach your children to become aware of, that will make a difference. Biking or walking instead of taking a gas powered vehicle to travel just a few blocks, is one way to help. Everyone can remember to turn lights off and thermostats up when they leave for the day.
Plastic is such a part of our lives that we don't think about using something else that would work just as well. We now have actual islands in the Pacific and Atlantic consisting of nothing but trash. The convergence of currents and wind has drawn our refuse to areas of the Sargasso Sea and what is known as the Pacific Garbage Patch. Instead of plastic, try using cloth shopping totes, and recycle everything you can.
Beaches are amazing wonders of nature. People love to visit them and sometimes leave their trash behind like calling cards. You should teach your children to pick up everything around them when they leave a beach. They need to understand that, when diving, snorkeling, and swimming, it is not acceptable to collect coral and underwater rocks for souvenirs.
Eating seafood is great as long as you avoid the temptation of delicacies created from endangered wildlife. You should refuse to consider anything in a restaurant or market except sustainable seafood. Coral necklaces, shark's teeth, and tortoiseshell combs are interesting objects in many beach side shops, but purchasing any of them will send the wrong message to your children. You need to explain that exploiting marine populations is not acceptable
Pet owners need to read labels and choose sustainable seafood for pet diets. If you have an indoor cat, never flush the litter. The pathogens can get into water sources and harm marine life. When choosing fish for a tank, avoid wild saltwater fish, and never dump aquarium contents into the ocean.
Concerned individuals, who don't know much about conservation, should educate themselves. How your elected officials vote on these issues is a matter of public record. You can teach your children to make informed decisions when it comes to supporting restaurants and seafood markets that will only offer sustainable seafood.
We may not be able to destroy the earth, but we can destroy our ability to inhabit it. Plenty of damage has already been done. It is up to each individual to prevent further harm.
About the Author:
You can get a summary of important factors to keep in mind when choosing an ocean conservation organization at http://www.drvonherbing.com/about right now.
