The ocean is one of Earth's most important natural resources that provide major oxygen and food sources to our planet. It helps regulate the Earth's climate and creates millions of jobs. We need to protect it the best way we can. 

On June 8, 2021, the world celebrates World Oceans Day. Let's honor our oceans by doing the activities we suggested below, not just on this day but always. 

1. Lower your Carbon Footprint and Save Energy

When you use energy to power your homes or gas for your car, you add carbon dioxide to the air. It's going to eventually trap the sun's heat acting like a blanket on the earth and through certain environmental processes, it means a warmer ocean. As a result, it will take a toll on marine life when the ocean becomes more and more difficult to live in. Ocean warming and an increase in ocean acidity has a widespread effect on multiply systems and many marine species which could have a negative result for all. By reducing our carbon footprint and saving energy, we can help reduce this fast speed train we are on which is harms marine life. 

We can do this by buying energy-efficient appliances or using solar energy to power our homes. Replace your old light bulbs with LED lighting, and try not to use the dryer when drying your clothes. If it's not too inconvenient, and try to reduce your use of your car for everyday activities and use public transport and potentially go for a walk if possible. 

Other things you can do to reduce carbon footprint:

• Turn off lights or appliances when not in use
• Get regular tune-ups for your car, so it doesn't work hard and waste gas
• Use cold water for washing clothes
• Use alternative transport, if possible

2. Avoid Using Plastic Products and Trim Down Trash

Keep in mind that the trash — especially plastic, which can take up to 500 years to decompose — doesn't really disappear. Some of them end up in the ocean, and that poses a major hazard to marine life. Turtles, seals, and other marine life may mistake it for food or they get trapped in it and die. You can prevent this by cleaning as you go and by reducing or eliminating plastic. 

Remember the 5 Rs of waste management: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle. Doing your part can incredibly help marine life. 

Always carry a reusable water bottle with you, and don't store food in plastic. Avoid using plastic straws, bags, and cutlery. Pack your lunch in a glass container and get rid of your plastic toothbrush. If you use makeup, ensure that it doesn't contain plastic microbeads. 

Always remember this: If it's plastic, think twice. Just refuse it when you can.

3. Be Fish-Friendly

When buying products or souvenirs, ensure that they are sea-friendly. Avoid jewellery or mementos that are made from corals or animal parts, including shells. When you decide to get a salt-water aquarium, make sure that the animals were carefully harvested. In cosmetics, avoid products with Squalene as they are obtained from shark liver oil. 

4. Take Care of the Ocean

The best way to celebrate World Oceans Day is by taking a trip to the beach. However, ensure that you don't cause any harm. We can save marine life by never touching the reef when snorkelling or diving. If you see plants growing on the sand, leave it be. These plants help hold the sand in place. When boating, be careful where you anchor as you might scar reefs. Also, never feed marine life nor disturb it. Just admire them, but never touch them. 

5. Support Organisations 

Several organisations help protect the ocean and marine life. What you can do to help them is give support to their advocacy. You can also donate financially or get involved in their projects. 

A few organisations protecting the ocean include Ocean Conservancy, Green Peace, Blue Frontier Campaign, and the Bahamas Plastic Movement. You can also search for organisations near your area and assist them with their initiatives. 

Also - encourage other people to also take care of the ocean. Learn about the ocean and marine life, and educate other people to create more awareness about how to properly take care of our oceans. Invite your friends and family members, if you intend to join a clean-up drive in a coastal town. Encourage them to also take part so they can help prevent our precious ocean and the environment in general. 

6. Volunteer for a Clean Up

Consider volunteering for a clean-up in your neighbourhood or organisations supporting marine life. One hour of your time cleaning the beach or the reef is already a great help. 

Beach or reef cleanups can help provide a clean environment for marine life. By keeping our oceans always clean, you also help keep a healthy supply of seafood. Can you imagine eating seafood that eats garbage or toxins? You can prevent this by volunteering for a regular clean-up. It's one of the best things you can do on World Oceans Day.

7. Travel Responsibly

When you travel, ensure that you choose eco-friendly resorts or hotels committed to protecting the ocean and wildlife. While traveling, take direct flights to help reduce carbon emissions. If possible, you can fly economy class. Look for accommodations that have green certifications and those that support sustainable tourism. 

Help Preserve the Ocean 

There are several initiatives by organisations and a group of people who care about the ocean. We would recommend that you take part in this and help bring about change and preserve one of Earth's essential resources. Most importantly, buy only products that are ocean-friendly. 

It's for this reason why we designed a sun care brand called People4Ocean. It has no synthetic chemicals and is reef-friendly and friendly for our oceans. P4O is 100% Australian made with solar power and plant-based packaging. Rest assured, it's 100% natural and organic. It's completely safe for everyone. 

Protect your skin today with our all-natural sunscreen and other sun products. Feel free to contact us if you have questions.