22nd April marks Earth Day, and this year’s theme is Restore Our Earth. After a turbulent 2020 to say the least, prioritising environmental recovery has never been more essential. There are SO many lists out there of things you can do to save the planet, but we’ve come up with a few ideas to inspire you to protect the earth – and the oceans!
Don’t know where to start? Here are 21 things you can implement in your life before the end of 2021, to preserve our planet’s precious resources for generations to come.
- Tune in to Earth Day Live. There’s a load of events going on starting April 20th so check it out and be part of the conversation!
- Join the club! If you’re an iPhone user, Clubhouse is a hub of great conversation. Co-founded by our Founder, once you’re in, be sure to join the Nature & Wildlife Club! Currently the app is invite-only and only available on iPhone, but if you’re on Android keep your eyes peeled for a release soon!
- Listen to environmental podcasts for tips and inspiration. You can check out the latest episode with our Founder on The BiG Scuba Podcast here! In the last couple of months, our Founder has also featured on Stumblin’ Forward, This Sustainable Life and Intertidal Talks – be sure to check out their other episodes for some awesome conservation content!
Not enough? Hear more chats with our Founder from the last couple of years on This Wild Life Conservation Podcast, So you want to be a marine biologist? and Conservation Careers.
- Webinars! If you missed it, catch up on this inspiring discussion with our Founder, author and researcher Wallace J. Nichols, Sam Teicher Chief Reef Officer of Coral Vita, researcher Daniela Castelo and host Kevin Sofen about the power of protecting blue spaces. Or check out Fisheries and Ocean Canada, the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission’s event Making Waves for Ocean Science: Empowering Women and Girls in the Ocean Decade, featuring our Founder, Jasmin Graham co-founder of Minorities in Shark Science, Dr Erika Woolsey CEO of The Hydrous, Dr Stefan Fritz MD of German Marine Research Consortium, and Dr Siegelman oceanographer at The Scripps Institute.
- Consider your food footprint: buy seasonal produce that is locally sourced, reduce your meat intake and avoid buying fish from unsustainable sources. For tips on sustainable living check out Jessica Clifton’s channel Impact For Good.
- Avoid unnecessary packaging. You can even try making an eco-brick with your leftover trash! You’ll be amazed how much you can fit into a single bottle. Find out where to exchange your finished bricks here.
- Let your money do the talking and support small sustainable businesses – like Mads St Clair Baker’s BEAUTIFUL ocean-friendly swimwear! Her brand new range is all designed using recycled plastic. Or check out our partners It Won’t Cost The Earth – an awesome online store championing products from small, sustainable businesses. We love them!
- Switch to a renewable energy provider. Check out these green options for the US & Canada, Australia and the UK.
- Get outside! In the words of Jacques Cousteau, ‘People protect what they love,’ so spend some time in nature to refuel your conservation fire. Not able to do that? Check out Dr Erika Woolsey’s virtual underwater experiences here.
- Fancy an overseas adventure? Apply for one of our marine conservation expeditions here. With the ongoing travel uncertainty, we’re offering free transfers between our programs, so you don’t need to worry! If not from us, take it from our expedition participants – the experience will change your life. All expedition fees go to our ground-breaking projects so you can be sure you’re making a difference.
- Streaming on Apple TV now, ‘The Year Earth Changed’ is David Attenborough’s brand new documentary looking at the ability of nature to recover during the pandemic. Grab the popcorn and check out the trailer here!
- Spread the word! Sign petitions, share Instagram stories, and do what you can to build the global conversation. Not sure where to begin? Sign this petition to stop the proposed shark culling in Western Australia. By following 2 super easy steps, you can make a difference in just a couple of clicks.
- Choose green activities. Whether it’s excursions while you’re on holiday or closer to home, opt for the things that don’t require an engine.
- Write to your local government representatives demanding action on issues that matter to you. You can find templates online or write your own: check out this example from the UK that you can adapt depending where in the world you live. Here’s a list of databases to track down your representatives in the US, UK and Australia.
- Try shorter, colder showers! It uses less water and research has shown that cold water is great for your body. Check out the Wim Hof method if you’re feeling unsure about that first icy dip!
- Be aware of greenwashing – don’t take things at face value and don’t be afraid to question companies about their products and practices when you’re not sure.
- Plogging! This is a fun combo of jogging and picking up litter, so when you feel a bit tired, you have the perfect excuse to stop and pick up trash! Not only are you exercising, but you’re helping to clear up the local environment too. What’s not to love?
- Love The Oceans recently became a charity partner of 1% for the Planet – so if your business is signed up to 1% for the Planet, you can donate to us! Find out more here.
- Leave nature where it belongs. Plants take in CO2 and the ocean needs all the calcium carbonate shells it can get to counter the effects of acidification. No matter how tempting it may be to pick up a woodland or seaside souvenir, leave these objects in the natural environment where they belong.
- Donate to charities working to protect our earth and oceans. We’ve just launched our Ocean Conservation Champion Education Program which aims to educate and empower future stewards of our earth and oceans. Find out how you can support the next generation of ocean conservationists here!
- Make a commitment for life. Protecting the environment goes far beyond 2021, so as the world slowly moves towards its COVID-19 recovery, do all of us a favour and prioritise the planet.
What tips can you share? Let us know in the comments on Instagram!
Written by Lily Holbrook