Time to Change

When we first started planning this adventure I was unfamiliar with the problems plastics are causing on our oceans. I had heard about the fight to save the whales, the battle against fishermen in Japan killing thousands of dolphins and the horrific shark-fining that occurs around the world but I was clueless about plastic contamination in the ocean. I’ve seen bags in the water and garbage on the beaches but I never knew the gravity of the situation until Morgan introduced me to the Algalita Marine Research Foundation. And while at first I really wanted to raise awareness for the whales, dolphins and sharks, I realized that no matter how hard we fight to save what lives in our oceans, if we don’t stop polluting the water, our efforts won’t matter. There are problems all over the world that seem out of our control and we ask ourselves, “what difference will I make?”. If one person changes their ways, that alone will have an impact. Every year at least 100,000 birds, whales, seals and turtles die because of plastic pollution. That number will only increase unless we change our ways.

5 Ways to Make a Difference

1. Say NO to Plastic Bags

Carry re-usable bags in your car and bag. Check out Chico Bags They make environmentally friendly compact bags and totes.

2. Reduce Your Plastic Bottle Use

Carry a reusable bottle like Klean Kanteen and refill it at home or on the go.

3. Choose Glass

Avoid buying plastic products as much as possible. It may seem like everything is made of plastic these days but if you look around you’ll see that there are still options out there. Instead of buying plastic tupperware look for glass storage containers.

4. Tell Your Friends & Family

Share these tips with people you know and let them know why it is important to change our habits. The more people who are aware of the problem, the more likely it will be that we will see a change. Check out the film Message In The Waves and share it with people you know.

5. Donate

If you have some extra cash laying around donate it to Algalita Marine Research Foundation, the money goes toward education, research and restoration of the marine environment. If you’re strapped for cash, look into local campaigns that are raising awareness against plastics and volunteer. If you’re a Hawaii resident check out the Plastic Free Hawaii campaign.