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World Ocean Day

June 8th, 2020

Today, June 8th, is World Ocean Day. Here are a few astounding ocean facts to show us how vitally important our oceans are to our existence:

  • The ocean covers over 70% of Earth’s surface and man has explored less than 5%
  • 94 percent of all living species exist within our oceans
  • 70 to 80 percent of the oxygen we breathe is produced by marine plants, nearly all of which are marine algae
  • The mid-ocean ridge, the longest mountain range in the world, is found under the ocean and spans over 40,000 miles
  • There are more historic artifacts under the sea than in all of the world’s museums put together
  • Over 200 million people worldwide rely on coral reefs for protection from storm surge and flooding

The ocean fills our lungs with oxygen and our tables with food. She nurtures and protects us as she counteracts the many damaging impacts of climate change and supports trillions of dollars of economic activity across the globe.

The United Nations and the World Wildlife Fund, among many others, are working to engender an upsurge of sustainable seas. Accordingly, the theme of this year’s World Oceans Day is “Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean.” Currently, only 15% of land and 7% of our oceans are protected. It’s all about highlighting and growing the movement to call on our world leaders to protect 30% of our planets oceans by 2030.

Not a world leader? Not a problem! There are still numerous small ways in which you can make a difference.

Prohibit Plastic

World Ocean Day brings awareness of plastic pollution. It is one of our most pressing environmental issues. Cutting down on your use of plastics, especially when it comes to single-use products by purchasing a metal or polyethylene water bottle instead of grabbing a plastic water bottle from the store. Pack your groceries in recyclable bags and store food in reusable storage containers. Put bars of soap in place of plastic bottles of shower gel. Try switching to a bamboo toothbrush, and for the love of Pete (and our oceans) stop flushing wet wipes and sanitary products down the loo.

Shop Smart

In today’s pandemic stricken world, online shopping is more popular than ever. Understandably so, but we can still be smart about our choices by making orders where multiple items can be delivered in a single package. This not only cuts down on packaging materials but also on the pollution-producing delivery truck having to make multiple stops to the same destination.

Support Conscientious Brands

Be confident that Oil Nut Bay is committed to nurturing both the land and its people. Learn which companies have pledged change and support them. See what business’s like Apple, designers such as Stella McCartney, or well-known labels like Lush Cosmetics are doing to help make a change. Do a little research and find out who to support.

Keep it Clean

In honor of World Ocean Day, volunteer with an organization in your area or arrange your own beach or riverside clean-up. It’s amazing what you and a few friends can accomplish cleaning up trash for just an hour or so. It doesn’t even have to be an official clean-up, just pick up what you see during a walk on the beach. One plastic bag less on the shore is one turtle, ray or fish saved. Check out #2MinuteBeachClean to see what your fellow good humans are up to. A little really does go a long way.

Stay Informed About World Ocean Day

Knowledge is power and with this dedicated day, we take the time to learn about countless projects and organizations championing the importance of our planet’s oceans and helping to educate us all. World Ocean Day encourages us to find causes to support, petitions to sign, and movements to join. It will help more than you know and feel great!

One Planet, one ocean, and very few chances left to get it right. Change begins at home and we have made massive efforts in sustainability when building at Oil Nut Bay.

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