World Ocean Day gives us an opportunity each year to celebrate our world ocean and our personal connection to the sea. It was first proposed in 1992 by the Government of Canada at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. It is not officially designated by the United Nations but an increasing number of countries recognize it each year. 

 

It is easy to take the ocean for granted and to forget about all of the things that it provides.  On World Ocean Day, take a moment to think about all of the things that the ocean does for you.  Here is a short list to get you started.

 

The ocean:

·         Generates most of the oxygen we breathe,

·         Helps feed us,

·         Regulates our climate,

·         Cleans the water we drink,

·         Offers a vast supply of potential medicines,

·         Offers beautiful places to dive,

·         Gives millions of people fond memories,

·         Provides limitless inspiration!

What else can you add to the list?

 

Now think about how your actions affect the ocean.  Here are some categories to think about:

·         Transportation: How do you get to work or to the store?

·         Food and drink: What do you eat?  Do you know where it comes from?  How is it packaged?

·         Waste: How much waste do you produce?  How is it disposed of?  Do you recycle?

·         Energy:  How much electricity do you use?  Do you know how it is produced?

 

Even if you do not live on the coast, your daily activities have an impact on the ocean – everything is interconnected.  Just making small changes in your daily habits can positively impact the ocean.  Take a moment today to think about your lifestyle and how you can have a more positive effect on the ocean.  It’s up to each one of us to help ensure that our ocean is protected and conserved for future generations.

 

Please feel free to add your ideas to this post!

 

For more information on World Ocean Day visit:

 

http://www.theoceanproject.org/wod/index.php

http://www.oceanconservancy.org/