World Oceans Day: How You Can Help

Many of our daily decisions — some we might not even think about — impact the health of oceans. Everyday products with petroleum (like chewing gum and aspirin — who knew!?) can be a source of ocean pollution. The seafood we choose to eat also has a big impact on oceans. For every pound of shrimp caught, for example, ten pounds of other marine life are killed and thrown away! (Read more shocking fish facts here.)

The good news is there are many ways to help the ocean. In daily life, we can be conscious consumers by buying fish-free pet food and only supporting seafood harvested sustainably.

Another great way to help is to get acquainted with the local watershed and join a group — or grab some friends — to pick up trash.

This morning, about 30 volunteers came together in honor of World Oceans Day to pick up trash along the banks of the Anacostia River in Washington DC.

Read more: Anacostia River clean-up crew

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Janine H.

1:04PM PDT on Jul 18, 2011

Thank you very much for this interesting article.

Only when the last tree has been cut down; Only when the last river has been poisoned; Only when the last fish has been caught; Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten.
(Native American proverb)

"We have learned to fly the air like birds and swim the sea like fish, but we have not yet learned the simple art of living together as brothers." (Martin Luther King)

July 18
send a green star

Annemarie W.

11:06AM PDT on Jun 14, 2011

Reef Safe Sunscreen is the best for our oceans. Try to reduce your plastic waste as well!

June 14
send a green star

Nina A.

10:33AM PDT on Jun 14, 2011

Great article. Great day.

Maria S.

4:06AM PDT on Jun 14, 2011

Great article. Thanks for sharing. Although I didn't know about World Ocean's Day I always do my part in picking up any garbage I find on the beach don't waste, recycle, reuse and compost. I believe we all should do our part to help us and future generations to live in a healthy enviroment.

Loo S.

3:27AM PDT on Jun 12, 2011

thanks for sharing.

June 12
send a green star

ValnoMail G.

7:26PM PDT on Jun 10, 2011

Thanks for sharing.

June 10
send a green star

Susan S.

4:42PM PDT on Jun 10, 2011

Learning about oceans and educating ourselves about ocean health is a great way to celebrate Oceans Day. Thanks.

Serena S.

9:40AM PDT on Jun 10, 2011

When I think of what gets washed down into our water systems and out into the ocean I shudder. Can anyone tell me what the effect of hair dyes, peroxides, perming chemicals and other such agents are on our rivers and oceans? Do purification processes catch all the toxic residue?.

I'm an artist and although I never put turps, white spirit or oils down my sink I have become increasingly uncomfortable with the amount of paint, (especially acyrilcs), that is released from my brushes, tools and water pots when I clean up.

My paintings attempt to express the silent cry of the earth in the wake of what we inflict upon it.I feel hypocritical then if the very act of making my art is at the same time contributing to a detremental act that is n increasingly poluting the environment.

myra d.

6:00PM PDT on Jun 9, 2011

June 9
send a green star

Sheila D.

5:34PM PDT on Jun 9, 2011

Whenever we get a chance to head for the beach, I always take bags along to pick up trash. It's sad how much garbage I can pick up in an hour; ususally all I can carry. We all need to do our part, and this article helps explain more things I can do, and now will do, to help. Every day is World Ocean Day as far as I'm concerned!