1) Switch to environmentally-friendly cleaning products
A famous animated fish once said, “all drains lead to the ocean,” and while this statement isn’t exactly true, it does pose an important question — what is safe to go down the drain? The answer is that anything that is hazardous needs to stay out of our drains, as wastewater treatment facilities aren’t designed to eliminate chemicals like this. The products we use to clean up our homes can negatively impact the health of our oceans, so choose cleaning products wisely! When you can, switch to products that are phosphate-free, chlorine-free, fragrance-free, or biobased. This will limit the concentration of hazardous chemicals going down the drain and positively impact your health, too!
2) Challenge yourself to conserve water every day
This most likely isn’t news, but it is an important reminder. Having water that flows each time we turn on the tap is a great privilege, and we must treat it as such. The smallest things like turning off the water when you’re brushing your teeth can make a difference. We all use water multiple times a day, and we should make an effort to put some thought behind it.
3) Leave the beach better than you found it
Sandcastles and caves carved into the sand are absolutely fun when spending a day at the beach. However, when you leave, any changes you made to the landscape should depart with you. Large holes or obstructions can leave honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) stranded, so make sure to fill them in. And of course, remember to properly dispose of any trash so it doesn’t enter our waterways and pose a threat to marine life.
4) Share your ocean knowledge with others
There are countless ways to effect positive change, and this one is as simple as it gets. Share your knowledge of the ocean and your passion for its creatures with the people around you. You never know who you might inspire along the way.
5) Donate to non-profits fighting for marine conservation, like the MOC Marine Institute
Donating to organizations that are working towards healthy oceans and marine conservation is always a good idea, and the MOC Marine Institute is an awesome one to add to your list. They operate on Maui and focus on sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and release, while also working to restore Hawaiʻi’s corals.