Summer is here in the Northern Hemisphere, and that means many people will be flocking to beaches around the world. Although most people love it, we aren’t always so kind to the ocean. So, here are a few ways you can help ensure your annual beach visit doesn’t negatively affect this beautiful Earth.
1. Choose Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Many people are unaware of this, but the sunscreen you wear to the beach often contains chemicals that are hurting our coral reefs. To prevent this, consider choosing one of these reef-safe options:
Instead of opting for plastic water bottles and bags on your beach trip, consider switching to reusable options. Pack food and water in reusable containers, and store beach gear in non-plastic bags. Currently, there is an astonishing 150 million tons of plastic in our oceans. Every step towards getting rid of plastic waste is an important leap in protecting our oceans.
3. Throw Away Trash You Find
Countless times I have been on the beach and seen a plastic water bottle blow by. It only takes a few seconds to reach down and grab a piece of trash, so why not do it? If each of us throws away the trash we see floating by us on land and in the water, together, we could make a huge impact on the amount of waste in the ocean.
4. Practice Responsible Fishing
Fishing is a pastime enjoyed by many people, including myself! However, it is important to be sure you are abiding by the fishing regulations required by the region you are in. Certain areas contain groups of endangered/watch-list species, such as manatees, and when people invade them, it causes great harm. In addition, many areas have limits on the number of fish you can take home with you. It is important to abide by these limitations so that fish populations can thrive.
5. Tell Other People About the Importance of Our Oceans
Many people don’t know about the devastating state our oceans are currently in, or they don’t know what they can do to help. One of the best ways to ensure our oceans get the help they need is to tell other people about it! The more people that are aware of the situation and trying to change it, the faster we can clean up our waters.
Making these changes might not be easy, but if we want to continue to enjoy the beauties of this planet, we need to take action. It might be less convenient, but most things worth having require some effort. You might not realize it, but even reading this article is a step in the right direction! Small efforts can lead to a big change if we all work together.