The Need for Change of the Current for Ocean Conservation by Daphnee Gen P. Jaralve
The Need for Change of the Current for Ocean Conservation by Daphnee Gen P. Jaralve
The ocean accommodates 90% of habitual space here on Earth rich with wildlife and biodiversity. The Ocean is greatly affected by the lifestyle that we are currently practicing. The main issue that greatly affects Ocean Conservation is single-use plastics. Half of all plastics were manufactured in the past 15 years and annually 8 million tons of plastic waste elude from coastal countries to the oceans. Due to ocean currents, plastics can drift away further affecting marine wildlife in farther regions. Another problem is that plastics don’t easily decompose by natural factors. However, we still do create humongous amounts of plastic waste for our Boba tea and frappuccino cups, straws, and single-use plastic bags amongst many other things. It is through making small adjustments to our current habits that we can change the current and generate great waves to help Ocean Conservation.
Do you like drinking boba tea or frappuccino at your favorite cafe’? Me-too!
Well, I have great news for you - most Boba Tea Stations and Cafe’s now provide discounts if you bring your own reusable tumbler and straw. Yes, a discount! Though this habit is simple, owning your own reusable tumbler and straw has a great significant impact on Ocean Conservation because this will contribute to lesser plastic waste. So save up your money, save and conserve our Ocean through minimizing your amount of single-use plastics by replacing your habit of using single-use bottles and straws to utilizing our own reusable tumblers and straws.
Single-use plastics are destroying the Ocean, over time they dwindle to become micro-sized particles called Microplastics. Microplastics can be on the size of 5 and 20 micrometers , the radius of a hair-strand. Microplastics are a burden to us and marine wildlife because marine wildlife sometimes consumes microplastics instead of marine edibles like algae, plankton, or plant life. Recent studies show that there is a high chance that the seafood you have been consuming has the presence of these microplastics. We really need to let go or at least minimize the use of single-use plastics and instead practice a sustainable lifestyle, to help our marine wildlife to consume what is food for them.
Lastly, we need to educate and promote the conservation of the ocean. Education enlightens people and illuminates the importance of Ocean Conservation. We can do this by making our social media accounts platforms for the promotion of Ocean Conversation. We can promote posts and pages that promote the need for Ocean Conservation and organizations that have done efforts in conservation of the ocean. We also can share our own experiences and individual efforts in conserving the ocean through documenting our experiences on social media. Through sharing our experiences and supporting Ocean Conservation efforts, our families and friends will be more aware and educated on the importance of Ocean Conservation and inspired to practice. Through the use of social media, we can educate and inspire many more people on why there is a need for Ocean Conservation.
Our current practices are negatively affecting the ocean and its rich biodiversity which accounts for most of the habitual space on Earth. A tiny change in our current habits can create tremendous impact that will generate waves for the conservation of our ocean. Owning personal reusable cups and straws will minimize the consumption of single-use plastics, help us save money and lead a sustainable lifestyle . The utilization of our social media accounts to promote sustainable practices and conservation efforts for our marine habitats and wildlife can make a huge difference.
Individually these changes of habits can only create a petite ripple, but collectively this can generate a wave of the change of current in Ocean Conservation.
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About the writer
Eagle Scout Daphnee Gen P. Jaralve is a 19 years old Scout from the Philippines. A recipient of the Scouts of the World Award, and awarded as one of the Ten Outstanding Boy Scouts of the Philippines in 2018. He loves to travel, the outdoors, and is very passionate about conservation of the nature.