Did you know that the oceans provide more than half of the oxygen we breathe? This means that every second breath you take comes from the sea. World Oceans Day, celebrated on June 8th every year, is a global event that raises awareness about the critical role the oceans play in our lives and the importance of protecting them. Oceans also help keep our climate stable. They absorb carbon dioxide and regulate temperatures, making sure our planet stays hospitable. The seas are home to an incredible variety of marine life, from tiny plankton to gigantic whales. The diversity and beauty found beneath the waves are truly astounding, which makes it even more important for us to protect and preserve these vital ecosystems. Quick Links 8 simple ways to celebrate World Oceans Day 2024 Inspiring stories and acts of ocean and river conservation Our top picks for World Oceans Day 8 simple ways to celebrate World Oceans Day 2024 This World Oceans Day, let's rethink our relationship with the oceans. Here are 8 impactful ways to celebrate this day and make a difference. Reduce single-use plastics Single-use plastics are one of the biggest threats to ocean health. It's 2024, guys, and we’re still dealing with plastic straws and bags like it’s the 1990s. We might be boring you with this, but single-use plastics are still a huge problem, and this trend needs to stop. These items, used for just a few minutes, end up polluting our oceans for hundreds of years. It’s high time we ditched these environmental nightmares and moved on to better solutions. Just imagine, every plastic item you refuse today prevents one more piece of plastic from choking marine life or littering our beautiful beaches. Take a stand and pledge to reduce your consumption of single-use plastics by opting for reusable alternatives. Swap out plastic bags for sturdy, reusable totes, and ditch those flimsy plastic straws for sleek metal or bamboo ones. Use a reusable water bottle instead of buying plastic bottles every day. Every small change adds up to a big difference, and together we can turn the tide against plastic pollution. Participate in a beach cleanup Beach cleanups are a fantastic and fun way to help protect our oceans. Imagine spending a sunny day at the beach with your friends and family, not just enjoying the waves and sand, but also making a real difference. By picking up litter and debris from the shoreline, you’re stopping harmful pollutants from reaching the ocean and harming marine life. It’s a rewarding activity that combines community spirit with environmental care. Make sure to bring along reusable bags and gloves, and perhaps some refreshments for a plastic-free picnic afterward. You will leave the beach cleaner and safer for everyone, while feeling great knowing you’ve contributed to a healthier ocean. Support marine conservation organisations Many organisations are dedicated to protecting our oceans and marine life. Consider donating to or volunteering with groups like Oceana, the Ocean Conservancy, or Sea Shepherd. Your support can help fund important research and conservation efforts. Educate yourself and others Knowledge is power. Learn about the oceans and the challenges they face, from plastic pollution to climate change and overfishing. There's a wealth of information out there, so take the time to watch documentaries, read articles, and follow marine conservation organisations on social media. Share this newfound knowledge with friends and family. Spark conversations at the dinner table, during coffee breaks, or at your next social gathering. Use social media as your megaphone to spread awareness about World Oceans Day and the critical importance of ocean conservation. Post interesting facts, share impactful stories, and encourage others to join the cause. The more people know, the stronger our collective effort will be. Reduce your carbon footprint The health of our oceans is closely tied to climate change. Rising temperatures, ocean acidification, and melting ice caps all have devastating effects on marine ecosystems. But the good news is, we can all do our part to help. Reduce your carbon footprint by making small, manageable changes in your daily life. Start by using public transportation, biking, or carpooling instead of driving alone. It’s a great way to cut down on emissions and maybe even make a few new friends along the way. Another impactful change is adjusting your diet. Consider eating less meat or adopting a plant-based diet. Livestock farming is a major source of greenhouse gases, so every meatless meal helps. You might also discover some delicious new recipes! At home, conserve energy by turning off lights and electronics when they’re not in use, using energy-efficient appliances, and insulating your home to reduce heating and cooling needs. Even simple actions like switching to LED bulbs or setting your thermostat a few degrees lower in winter and higher in summer can make a difference. Support sustainable seafood Every year, countless fish and marine species are harvested at unsustainable rates, leading to dwindling populations and disrupted marine habitats. However, there is a powerful way you can make a difference — by choosing sustainable seafood options. When shopping for seafood, look for certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label. This label ensures that the seafood was harvested responsibly, safeguarding marine ecosystems and supporting healthy fish populations. Sustainable fishing practices help maintain the balance of marine life, ensuring that our oceans remain vibrant and productive. Adopt a coral reef or plant a tree Celebrate World Oceans Day by making a tangible impact through adopting a coral reef or planting a tree! Coral reefs are the rainforests of the sea, providing habitat for countless marine species and protecting coastlines. Sadly, they face significant threats from pollution, climate change and overfishing. Adopting a coral reef supports efforts to restore and protect these amazing underwater ecosystems. Planting a tree is another great way to help our oceans. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, which helps fight climate change and protect marine life. Every tree you plant helps create a healthier environment both on land and in the sea. Host a fun and inspiring ocean film night Why not host a film screening to educate and inspire others about ocean conservation? There are numerous compelling documentaries available that highlight the beauty and plight of our oceans: "A Plastic Ocean" (2016): This eye-opening documentary dives into the shocking impact of plastic pollution on our oceans and marine life. It reveals how our everyday use of plastic is harming the planet in ways we might not even realise. "Chasing Coral" (2017): This film captures the dramatic and unprecedented bleaching of coral reefs around the world. Through stunning underwater footage, it highlights the urgent need to address climate change to protect these vital ecosystems. "Blue Planet II" (2017): Narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough, this series offers breathtaking visuals of the world's oceans and the incredible creatures that inhabit them. It also sheds light on the many threats facing marine life today. Inspiring stories and acts of ocean and river conservation Lefteris Arapakis and the Enaleia project One inspiring example of ocean conservation in action is the story of Lefteris Arapakis from Greece. An active fisherman, Lefteris noticed a disturbing trend — he was catching more trash than fish in his nets. Determined to make a difference, he co-founded the Enaleia project, which organises a successful Mediterranean Cleanup programme. Through this initiative, fishermen are encouraged to bring the plastic they find at sea back to shore in exchange for a monetary incentive. This innovative approach has led to more than 12 tonnes of plastic being collected from the sea each month. Lefteris Arapakis and the Enaleia project demonstrate how local efforts can have a significant impact on global ocean health. Bachendri Pal and the Ganga River Cleanup Another inspiring story of ocean and river conservation is the story of Bachendri Pal from India. Bachendri, the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest, noticed the severe pollution in the Ganga River, a sacred and vital waterway in India. Determined to make a change, she organised a volunteer initiative to clean the river. With a dedicated team of 40 volunteers, including notable mountaineers like Premlata Agarwal, they managed to remove 55 tonnes of waste from the Ganga River in just one month. This massive cleanup effort not only helped reduce pollution but also raised awareness about the importance of maintaining clean waterways. The Ganga River, while sacred, suffers from extensive pollution due to industrial and human waste. This initiative showcases how local efforts can have a significant impact on the health of our rivers and oceans, demonstrating the power of community action in environmental conservation. Our top picks for World Oceans Day With World Oceans Day around the corner, it's the perfect time to explore some eco-friendly products from agood company that can help you celebrate and make a positive impact. Plant-based phone cases — made in Sweden from a mix of hemp, PLA, cellulose, flax, and biodegradable PBAT, these cases decompose much faster than traditional plastics, which means less ocean pollution. Reusable thermal bottles — our reusable thermal bottles are made from recycled steel, designed to keep your drinks hot or cold for hours. Ditch the plastic and go for a sustainable option that helps keep our oceans clean. Our newest addition, the hybrid bottle, comes with a base cup, bottle lid and tumbler lid. It's super versatile for all your hydration needs, whether you're at the gym, in the office, or out on an adventure. Wheat straws — these eco-friendly straws offer a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic straws. Made from wheat, they are sturdy, biodegradable, and add a natural touch to beverages. Final thoughts Our oceans give us so much — from the oxygen we breathe to the incredible biodiversity that sustains life on Earth. It's our responsibility to protect them, yet our activities are the biggest threat to our oceans. While someone might say that true environmental harmony means no humans on Earth, we can definitely change our acts instead! By making conscious choices every day, step by step, we can collectively create significant positive changes. Reducing single-use plastics and cutting down our carbon footprint can make a big difference. So, let's wait no more — let’s make our presence on this planet a positive one.