Today is World Water Day, and it’s a great opportunity to think about how our actions impact the planet and, most importantly, what we can do to help the environment.
More than 5 trillion pieces of plastic are currently in the ocean! Yes, garbage is a great threat to the planet because what we throw away does not disappear. Plastic bags, disposable food containers and other waste can reach local waterways and eventually end up in the ocean where they pose a danger to marine life, such as birds, fish, turtles and mammals that can confuse garbage with food or get entangled in it.
Also, the carbon dioxide that arises from burning fuels to make plastic is making our oceans more acidic. A consequence of this is the loss of corals, as their calcium skeletons are weakened by the increasing acidity of the water.
The oceans are in danger and they need our help. So here we have 5 ways in which you can help save the oceans and also save some money.
Use reusable water bottles
More than 60 million plastic water bottles are thrown out every day. While some are recycled, others end up as garbage in the oceans.
To reduce the amount of water bottles we use and discard, all you need to do is buy a reusable water bottle and take it with you instead of buying a new one each time. It’s that easy!
With this action, you will not only reduce the waste of plastic and the barrels of oil needed to produce a bottle, but you will also save a lot of money in the process. A 20-ounce bottle of water can cost up to $ 1.15 at a grocery store, but tap water with a filter is 100 times cheaper. Fill your bottle again and again and save that money. The oceans and your wallet will thank you!
Make your own cleaning products without chemicals
Any substance that goes down the drain may eventually end up in the ocean. You can help keep the ocean healthy by carefully choosing non-toxic cleaning products. The cleaning supplies sold in supermarkets contain chemicals that cause harm to marine life and have a high price. Consider making your own cleaning products at home, in an easy and inexpensive way. Many household chores can be done with simple ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda or lemon juice. When you help with household chores, use these products to help your family save a lot of money and protect the oceans.
Shop with reusable bags
This will help eliminate the plastic bags that usually end up in the oceans. Every time you go shopping, bring a reusable bag and save money, since now many stores charge customers 5 ¢ or 10 ¢ for plastic bags if they do not carry their own. If you live in a place with a similar law, remember to take reusable bags and save a lot of money over time!
Take your own lunch to school
Buying food at school every day can be very expensive, and they usually use disposable containers, cutlery and straws that end up damaging the oceans. Take your homemade food and use reusable containers and cutlery to save a lot of money and help the environment. In addition, you will also eat much healthier!
Buy ocean-friendly products
Coral reefs provide shelter and protection to a wide range of ocean life. In addition, they help regulate the levels of carbon dioxide in the oceans, they protect from strong currents and high waves, and function as filters that contribute to improve water quality.
Corals are very important to the ocean and we must protect them. Avoid buying environmentally harmful products, because besides being very expensive, they exploit marine life. For example jewelry made of coral, hair accessories made of tortoise shell and products with shark teeth. These products are cruel and destroy entire ecosystems. Choose souvenirs that are respectful to the sea, stay away from products made from marine animals or parts of animals.
Save money, consider buying jewelry or souvenirs made from recycled material, which are cheaper and full of originality. And remember, corals and marine animals are beautiful, but they belong to the sea, they are not ornaments.
Let’s help save the oceans! Leave behind the disposable lifestyle and create new ecological habits that help the environment and save a lot of money.
