5 Ways to Keep the Ocean Clean

Oceans cover about 70% of the planet, and only 5% of it has been explored. There is an entire fascinating world beneath the surface, but unfortunately, it is a world at risk. Without intensive ocean preservation initiatives, plastic in the ocean will outweigh fish in the ocean by 2050. Five massive garbage patches have formed all over the globe, the largest of which is twice the size of Texas and contains 1.8 trillion pieces of trash. Pollution threatens marine life – and life as we know it, given rising ocean levels and more severe, more frequent mega-storms. So what can we do?

Take Action: Start Cleaning Up the Ocean

Cleaning up the ocean is a job for all of us. Here are 5 steps we can take:

1. Reduce Plastic Use.

Americans throw away over 10.5 million tons of plastic trash each year, and much of our plastic bags, soda bottles, food containers, and snack wrappers end up in the ocean. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch we mentioned above is 90% plastic. Swap out single-use plastics for reusable containers. It’s easy – and less expensive in the long run!

2.Be Seafood Savvy.

Who doesn’t love a good seafood meal? But 75% of the world’s fisheries are considered overexploited, fully exploited, significantly depleted, or recovering from overexploitation. Species that are popular with consumers are dying out. Choose sustainable seafood for delicious, guilt-free dining.

3. Cut Your Carbon Footprint.

Our carbon footprints contribute to the production of greenhouse gases, worsening and accelerating climate change. This also affects the oceans, with rising water levels, temperatures, and pH levels. Steps we can take include using energy-efficient appliances, unplugging items when not in use, walking, biking or using mass transit instead of driving when possible, and more.

4. Start In Your Own Backyard.

Believe it or not, backyard mowing and landscaping is a big culprit in ocean pollution. Chemicals and fuel can leach into the groundwater and make its way into the ocean. Did you know that more fuel is spilled by filling up residential lawn mowers each year than the Exxon Valdez spilled in 1989?

5. Enjoy the Ocean – Responsibly.

The ocean calls to many of us, and nothing is more satisfying and refreshing than spending a day on the water swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing… all of these are incredible ways to experience nature. And we can do so responsibly!

For example, if you love boating or watersports, AccuDock’s floating docks are made of HDPE flat sheets that fully encapsulate EPS foam. EPS foam is premium virgin material and does not contain CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs or formaldehyde – which are harmful to the earth’s ozone. EPS also does not produce contaminants that pollute the water. Premium HDPE creates no harmful emissions during production and also does not leak any toxic chemicals into the water. In addition to using eco-friendly materials, AccuDock also recycles all scrap aluminum and plastic.

There are ways to enjoy the water while keeping ocean preservation top of mind. In fact, this is the only way we will be able to take advantage of the waves and wonder of the seas now and in the future.

>> Contact us today to learn more about AccuDock’s floating docks.