Photo by Paulo Brandao – Flickr

The Nature Conservancy has presented us with a simple list of things that we can do to help our oceans. Our oceans should not be taken for granted. The oceans provide food and economic opportunities. The barrier beaches, coral reefs, and wetlands provide protection from storms.

You’ll find that many of the suggestions are about going green.  This is all about setting roots in our culture and about the importance of being good stewards of our Planet. Taking action creates a domino effect; it can inspire others to take action.

Reduce your plastic consumption

Our beaches are littered with items made of plastic; so buy reusable shopping bags and water bottles.

Photo by por2able – Flickr

Make informed seafood choices

This is about choosing sustainable seafood. We have to stop overfishing certain species so that they have a chance to increase their numbers. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has a seafood guide that helps you support ocean friendly seafood.

Photo by AngelaEngel – Flickr

Dispose of chemicals properly

Never pour chemicals, pharmaceuticals, oils or paints into your drains or toilets.

Photo by Vanessa Pike-Russell’s – Flickr

Choose green detergents and household cleaners

Photo by Eustaquio Santimano’s – Flickr

Get the dirt on your beachside retreat

Before you stay in a hotel on the coast, ask the staff what happens to their sewage and swimming pool water, and if they source their restaurant fish from sustainable sources. It doesn’t hurt to ask; you might get them to move in the right direction, if they haven’t already.

Photo by worldsurfer – Flickr

Find out the source of your food

Buying local and organic food reduces your carbon footprint. This action supports the local economy and reduces the amount of pesticides and fertilizers that end up not just in your stomach, but as run-off in rivers and oceans, too.

Fill your yard with native species

Reducing the amount of grass in your lawn by planting native shrubs and flower beds will provide a better habitat for birds and other wildlife and require far less water and fertilizer, which can seep into the oceans. This is not as large of an issue as you would find in the desert southwest. Green fertilizers would be a helpful move.

Keep your beach visit clean

When visiting the beach, stay off fragile sand dunes, take your trash with you and leave plants, birds and wildlife for everyone to enjoy.

Photo by Sam and Ian – Flickr

Choose alternatives to coral

Whether shopping for jewelry, household décor or accessories for your fish tank, do your part to leave fragile coral reef habitats untouched by buying products that aren’t made of real coral.

Photo by Michael Dawes’ – Flickr

Celebrate our oceans

Whether you live inland or on the coast, we are all connected to the ocean; take the time to organize or participate in activities that restore and celebrate the ocean, and help support The Nature Conservancy’s ocean conservation work.