Having a voice can make real change for our planet. We can all be advocates for the things that matter our lives. Things that we are passionate about and want to see change for the better. World Oceans Day on June 8th is a chance to honor and celebrate our blue planet. The more people realize and work to lessen their impacts, the more sustainably we can travel. Our oceans are the lifeblood of this planet and we really need to look after them!
Get together with your family, friends, community, and millions of others around our blue planet to start creating a better future. By working together, we can — and will — protect and restore our shared ocean.
Ever wondered what the benefits of the ocean are? Allow us to share with you:
Benefits of the Ocean
The world ocean provides so many benefits. Here are ten things the ocean does for humans and the planet:
- The air we breathe: The ocean produces over half of the world’s oxygen and absorbs 50 times more carbon dioxide than our atmosphere.
- Climate regulation: Covering 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, the ocean transports heat from the equator to the poles, regulating our climate and weather patterns.
- Transportation: Seventy-six percent of all U.S. trade involves some form of marine transportation.
- Recreation: From fishing to boating to kayaking and whale watching, the ocean provides us with many unique activities.
- Economic benefits: The U.S. ocean economy produces $282 billion in goods and services and ocean-dependant businesses employ almost three million people.
- Food: The ocean provides more than just seafood; ingredients from the sea are found in surprising foods such as peanut butter and soymilk.
- Medicine: Many medicinal products come from the ocean, including ingredients that help fight cancer, athritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease.
How Can I Participate in World Oceans Day?
There are many ways to be involved in World Oceans Day. Here are a few to get you started:
- Sign a petition – Sign the 30×30 nature petition which vouches to protect at least 30% of the planet’s land and ocean by 2030, and preserve intact ecosystems and wilderness.
- Attend online events – Ocean Inspiration online events are a great place to get involved.
- Download Resources – Find useful resources to aid your action, including campaign posters, celebration posters, guides, kids’ materials, and the World Oceans Day logo. Be the voice for turtles, sharks, seals, rays, whales, dolphins, penguins, coral, fish and more.
- Share on Social Media – Be an advocate for positive change by sharing the message on social media. Look at the toolkit, designed to help you.
- Donate – Your tax-deductible financial support will make a real difference as World Oceans Day collaborates with organizations and individuals around the world to protect and restore our ocean.
What Businesses Are Participating in World Oceans Day?
Rubio’s
With beaches across the country re-opening and World Oceans Day on Monday, June 8, Rubio’s Coastal Grill is giving away free, reusable tote bags. No coupon is needed, simply order from Rubio’s Coastal Grill on Monday, June 8 and Tuesday, June 9, to receive a complimentary bag, while supplies last.
Celebrating the eatery’s long-standing commitment to the ocean and sustainability, Rubio’s has celebrated World Oceans Day for nine years by giving away reusable bags. This year’s bag is a clear, reusable tote that is made with 78% recycled material and is 100% recyclable. It’s perfect for family picnics or a day at the pool, and is approved for use at the sports events and concerts that so many look forward to safely attending again.
How Can I do my part?
- Reduce your plastic usage. Use refillable water bottles and reusable bags (after covid-19)
- Do not stand on coral
- Choose a good snorkel or scuba diving company … one that doesn’t feed fish
- Eat only sustainably resourced fish
- Help keep beaches clean; but never remove shells or dead coral
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Never buy marine life products. Do not purchase coral jewelry, shell ornaments or tortoise shell hair accessories (made from Hawksbill Turtle shells). You cannot guarantee that these items have been collected in a sustainable way which doesn’t harm coral reefs or marine life so it’s best to avoid it completely.