How to Help Prevent Damage to Our Oceans

Co-authored by Bess Ruff, MA

Last Updated: October 10, 2022 References

Oceans are amazing places: they provide human beings with food, energy, livelihoods, transportation, and incredible natural beauty. However, human activity has been harming the oceans for generations. You can help reduce the impact by making small but important changes in your daily life.

Part 1

Part 1 of 5:

Choosing Ocean-Friendly Products

1
Choose sustainably caught seafood. Only purchase seafood that has been harvested in a sustainable manner, as overfishing practices threaten the long-term health of ocean ecosystems.^{[1]
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- There are many seafood guides available online that identify sustainably caught fish, including Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch. Print out a pocket seafood guide or keep one on your phone to have a handy reference when shopping or ordering at restaurants.^{[2]
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- Look for Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification on your favorite seafoods to see if they are sustainably caught or not.^{[3]
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Fish farming practices harm the oceans’ ecosystems, introducing pollutants and diseases. Additionally, the farmed fish can escape into the ocean where they may create competition and threaten native species. Look for labels and packaging that identify the fish as “wild-caught.”^{[4]
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The tiny plastic pellets found in these products wash down household drains and into bodies of water. They may carry pollutants, bacteria, and toxins that can kill fish.^{[5]
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Select produce grown without pesticides. Use your purchasing power to support farmers who avoid or limit their use of pesticides.^{[6]
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- Look for “organic” labels, shop at local farmers’ markets, and research particular farms and companies online.
- Consult internet guides about the “risk factors” for pesticides with different types of produce.^{[7]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 5:

Disposing of Chemicals Properly

This includes paint, solvents, cleaners, and pesticides. Pollution from household drains, roads, soil, and storm drains often ends up in the seas. Instead, research local collection and safe disposal programs in your area.^{[8]
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Do not pour motor oil down the drain, into the soil, or down a storm drain. Find out if your city or town has a recycling program, or inquire at local auto shops or gas stations, which will often collect the oil for disposal, sometimes for a small fee.^{[9]
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Dispose safely of mercury items such as old batteries, thermometers, and Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs). Hand them in to your local mercury disposal center to make sure they are disposed of properly and efficiently.^{[10]
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Even if you don't live near the sea, the run-off from your yard can end up in the ocean.^{[11]
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Research source} Consider alternative pest control methods: crowd out weeds, smother them, or pull them by hand.
The nutrients in found in manure and other fertilizers cause harmful algae blooms in the oceans.^{[12]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 5:

Reducing Waste

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Avoid “single-use plastics.” Plastic waste, improperly disposed of, is a leading cause of harm to oceans and their wildlife. Plastic waste that finds its way to the ocean does not decompose and can collect in the bellies of wildlife or in floating islands of trash.^{[13]
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- Bring reusable bags to the store, and look for products with minimal packaging.
- Bring your own mug to the coffee shop, and avoid individually packaged foods and drinks (including single-cup coffee makers).^{[14]
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- When you cannot avoid plastic packaging, look for items you can reuse or recycle.
2
Dispose of your trash with care. Always place your garbage in trash cans, and do not litter. Pay particular attention to plastic items that cannot be recycled and pose a threat to marine and other wildlife.
- Avoid buying six-packs with plastic ring holders, as fish and birds can get caught in them and suffocate. If you must purchase items with these holders, be sure to cut the rings apart before disposing of them, or look for companies that use holders that are edible for fish.^{[15]
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Reduce your greenhouse gas emissions. Rising water temperatures disrupt the oceans’ ecosystems.^{[16]
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Research source} Find ways to reduce your “carbon footprint” by minimizing your use of energy produced by burning petroleum, coal, and other fossil fuels.
- Buy local and in-season produce. The shorter the distance your food has to travel from its origin to your plate, the less energy spent and fewer pollutants produced to get it there.
- Support renewable energy. Check with your energy company to see if you can opt for wind- or solar-produced power.
- Make your home more energy efficient. Look for energy efficient light bulbs and household appliances. Many utility companies offer free energy audits that check your windows and doors, HVAC system, insulation, and other features of your home where heat loss frequently occurs.
- Reduce the amount of gasoline you use by carpooling or taking public transportation, or combining multiple errands into one trip. Or, walk or ride a bike, if you can.^{[17]
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Part 4

Part 4 of 5:

Conserving Water

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Change your water-use habits. Conserving water used by households means less water being processed in sewage treatment plants. This will reduce the number of contaminants that are released into bodies of water from your home. This helps them run more efficiently, preventing leaks, spills, and seepage into the ecosystem.^{[18]
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- Take shorter showers and turn off the water when brushing your teeth.
- Ensure that your washing machine and dishwasher are full when you run them.
- Use timers for watering your yard or garden, and choose plants that need less water.
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Keep your plumbing in good shape. This will prevent unnecessary water waste as well as maintain the value of your home.^{[19]
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Trustworthy Source

United States Environmental Protection Agency
Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices

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- Watch out for dripping faucets or other leaks.
- If your house is served by a septic system, make sure it is inspected and pumped out every three years.
Low-flow toilets and shower heads will dramatically reduce the amount of water used in a household, saving money and reducing the amount of water that needs to be treated.^{[20]
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Part 5

Part 5 of 5:

Volunteering and Reaching Out

Learning more about the harmful effects of mankind’s activities will make you a more effective advocate for the oceans. Some of the things to read up on include the problems of overfishing,^{[21]
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Encourage your family and friends to learn more, and to develop ocean-friendly habits. Be vocal about your concerns on social media. Write or call your representatives, show up for town hall meetings, or write letters to the editor of your local paper.
If you live near the ocean, join a beach or underwater clean-up group. These events are usually organized locally by community groups or municipalities, and in some cases are held across the country on specific dates.^{[24]
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Consider sharing your time or money with an organization whose mission includes ocean conservation.^{[25]
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Why is it important for us to take care of our environment?

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We only have one planet to live on. We need to take care of the environment so we can live healthy lives.

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