Five Tips to Help Preserve an Ocean Near You

As problems with the environment and nature persist, scientists and other professionals have come up with mindful tactics to help preserve our world's natural wonders. National Geographic released an article that enumerated a list of tips to help preserve the world's oceans. Here, we'll provide five crucial ones.

Mind Your Carbon Footprint and Reduce Energy Consumption

Leave your car at home when possible and reduce energy use at home and at work. For example, switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs or take the stairs when an elevator isn't necessary.

Make Safe, Sustainable Seafood Choices

This may upset the seafood lovers out there, but many factors have been negatively impacting sea life. Global fish populations are in a serious decline because of high demand, loss of habitat and unsustainable fishing practices. Be more mindful of choosing seafood that is healthful and sustainable, such as wild-caught salmon and pole-caught albacore tuna.

Use Fewer Plastic Products

Plastic that is found in the ocean leads to habitat destruction as well as the deaths of tens of thousands of marine animals each year. To help reduce the prevalence of plastic be sure to use nondisposable containers and reusable water bottles. Also be sure to recycle.

Help Take Care of the Beach

We all love to go to the beach when the summertime rolls around, but there are many who are inconsiderate of the beach's conditions. Littering is an enormous concern due to heavy pollution in the ocean, so be sure to clean up after yourself. 

Be an Ocean-Friendly Pet Owner

This is a crucial tip, even if it sounds farfetched. Read your pet food labels to make sure the product supports seafood sustainability. In other words, see if any fish in your pet's diet is overexploited, such as herring, sardines, bluefin tuna, etc. If so, choose a different brrand of pet food. This decision will help oceanlife and may be healthier for your pet.

It's not imperative that you religiously follow all of these steps, but it's important that you stay mindful of any harmful habits that you can easily change. To read more about sustaining the ocean, visit this National Geographic article.