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World Oceans Day supports a cause that is very near and dear to our hearts - Protecting our precious oceans and marine life. Most people already know that 70% of the earth is covered by water, but did you know that over 94% of life on earth is aquatic? That’s makes us land lovers the minority on our planet. The ocean helps create and regulate weather across the planet and produces many of life’s essentials, including water, food, and even the oxygen we breathe every day! Pretty cool huh?
What’s not cool is the effect that plastics have had on our oceans and the marine life living in it. One scientist stumbled across what’s become known as the “Ocean Garbage Patch” in the south Pacific over 20 years ago. He was astonished to find plastic as far as the eye could see, and discovered that most of it was made up of tiny particles. These tiny plastics can be even more dangerous to marine animals, as they’re more easily ingested and won’t break down over time. A lot of these plastics come from garbage that makes it’s way into river and eventually the ocean. Recycling is still as important as ever. Even though most of our country actively participates in recycling, there’s still more we can do to help diminish the effects plastics have on our environment. We’ve put together some practical tips for easy ways to reduce your plastics impact.
1.) Buy fewer plastic water bottles, or refill the bottles are few times if you do have them. Remember, plastic water bottles are recyclable, so make the effort to find a recycling bin when you are done with it. Tell your kids!!
2.) Better yet, use only reusable water bottles, our friends at hydroflask make a great one!
3.) Take your reusable grocery bags to the store, or ask for paper. Cudas now sends a reusable grocery bag in every order made from our website!
4.) When you’re out to eat, ask for no straw. These are very dangerous for marine life.
5.) When you’re grocery shopping look for recyclable containers. Consider switching to brands that use recyclable packaging.
6.) Minimize your use of plastic utensils, wash and reuse them, or switch to a biodegradable kind. Some recycling centers do recycle these, but most dont.
7.) Learn what is recyclable and what is not, and look for the recyclable packaging when you can. Smart consumerism can make a big difference. Read more about types of plastic here: http://naturalsociety.com/recycling-symbols-numbers-plastic-bottles-meaning/.
From Hunker.com
Plastics are marked with numbers one through seven, indicating their composition and whether they are recyclable or not. One, the most common, is the easiest to recycle; ones are typically soda bottles and other plastic food containers and bottles. Twos—milk jugs, laundry detergent containers, shampoo bottles—are commonly recyclable as well. Threes through sevens are manufactured from types of plastic that are rarely recyclable
8.) If you smoke cigarettes, you should be aware that cigarette butts are one of the top 5 most dangerous plastics for marine life. A company called TerraCycle has made it possible to recycle almost anything, including cigarette butts. On top of making recycling more accessible, they are raising money for education - something most people can agree is a great idea.
Protecting our oceans and our environment is everyone’s responsibility, and something that needs to be taken seriously every day. Each year the world population grows and is consuming more plastics than ever before. Every single person counts when it comes to minimizing plastics impact on our environment. We all want a better future and a clean environment for our kids, and that future starts now, with each of us. You’ve heard it 1,000 times, but it’s still relevant. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
-Your Friends at Cudas
Sources:
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/sustainable-earth/oceans/
http://www.yalescientific.org/2013/12/mythbuster-the-truth-about-the-great-pacific-garbage-patch
https://surferspath.com/news/how-long-does-ocean-trash-take-to-decompose.html#iGCMpCvdiYtgUKt6.97
