This Earth Day, be an ocean saver! After all, this big blue planet is mostly water with 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface located under the ocean. Saving the oceans can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task, but if we all pitch in, we can make a big difference! Here’s how:
1. Say no to single use plastics
Studies show that by 2050 our oceans will have more plastic than fish. Plastic is dangerous to wildlife and human health, leading to entanglement, ingestion, hormone disruption and habitat destruction. In fact, a sperm whale was recently found dead in Spain with 29kgs of plastic in its stomach.
Stop plastic at the source and help fight this global issue. Say no to single use plastics such as straws, plastic cutlery, coffee cups, water bottles, plastic bags and take-out food containers.
2. Reduce your carbon footprint
Carbon dioxide, a notorious greenhouse gas, is making our oceans more acidic. This is causing the loss of corals on a global scale, as their calcium skeletons are weakened by the increasing acidity of the water.
There are many simple ways you can reduce your carbon footprint.
- Ride a bike, walk or use public transportation rather than driving a car
- Put on a sweater in the winter instead of turning up your thermostat
- Have some fun with your diet – buy wild seafood. It is a renewable resource that requires minimal freshwater to produce and emits less carbon dioxide than land based proteins
3. Eat sustainable seafood
Choose seafood that is healthy for you and the oceans.
- Ask your local grocer or favourite restaurant where their seafood comes from, see if they buy from sustainable fisheries or look for the SeaChoice logo
- Look for wild caught fish certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and farmed fish approved by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)
Boat to plate traceability can help ensure consumers have the information they need to make sustainable choices. Support traceability in the seafood supply chain by helping Oceana Canada put a stop to seafood fraud and mislabelling. Sign our petition to show your support.
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