By Beds SU Sustainability Team
Wednesday, 8 June 2022
Our oceans cover over 70% of the planet we love – providing at least 50% of the oxygen we use. We also use our oceans for a large intake of protein – so it is vital to do our bit to keep the oceans protected.
World Oceans Day (8 June) allows everyone to come together to ensure that in our day-to-day life, our actions do not end up destroying the oceans we have come to love. You may wonder why the focus should be on oceans – none of our campuses are situated close to any! But every riverwalk, lake, pond, and nature reserve you may live near will eventually lead to the ocean.
This year, a decision was made by The Ocean Society to protect at least 30% of our lands, waters, and oceans by 2030. So far, over 90 countries have adopted this goal – with an attempt to encourage leaders to adopt this movement at the COP-15 Summit this coming September. By supporting the 30×30, initiative the planet can protect our planet’s life support systems – specifically the issues within the oceans, climate change, and biodiversity. Alarmingly, less than 17% of land and 8% of the ocean worldwide is protected.
There are some really easy and simple ways you can get involved to support the preservation of our oceans. We've highlighted a handful below.
Be more aware of how much plastic you use!
Plastics can be found everywhere. Why not try using a refillable water bottle the next time you go out – or use a cloth bag when you go shopping next? There are many eco-friendly cloth bags – which don’t break like regular plastic bags, too.
Join in on a beach clean when you’re next on a day out!
The Marine Conservation Society runs events where you can help clean your beach up – as simple as that! Just bring along a litter grabber and reusable bag if you can and help clean up any rubbish left behind. You will be helping to pick up debris which would otherwise end up in the ocean.
Avoid using cosmetics that contain micro-plastic beads!
Recent research has found that 9 in every 10 cosmetic products contain polluting microplastics – including some of the biggest brand names you may currently use. You can find lots of eco-friendly makeups and cosmetics which are not only micro-plastic free, but better for the overall environment.
Wear sustainable clothes!
Many influencers and celebrities have been wearing (and encouraging) people to wear eco-friendly clothing. Currently, between 4% and 10% of global greenhouse gasses are the responsibility of the clothing industry. Some top tips include buying less – and buying better (for example, how many times will you wear it?), along with shopping second-hand and vintage. Not only does this allow you to grab a bargain, but it also allows you to give some clothing extra life which would otherwise be thrown away.
Be more mindful of household cleaning products!
Some big brands use chlorine, artificial fragrances, and artificial colours in regular, well know cleaning products. You can always help do your part by switching to a biodegradable or recyclable bottle – or even better, buy an organically grown cleaning product which is sustainably farmed.
Join a litter pick!
Litter picking can help a lot in the long term – every bottle you pick up is one less in our oceans. CleanupUK offers a free search facility where you can find your local litter picking group.
Get Involved
There are many different groups and social media channels which you can follow to stay up to date on how you can support keeping our oceans clean and with us for the long term. Why not visit some below?