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Seas the Day in September – Amplify Your Impact
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” - Anne Frank “If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities.” - Maya Angelou “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.” - Publilius Syrus Last month we talked about conserving water. It's easy to do on a personal level, but what if you want to spread the news? Getting more people involved with helping the oceans is a great thing! Change may happen slowly, and take some work, but you can help by raising you voice and raising awareness. This is the time to make a change, and you can get others to help by speaking out for the fish. Picture by Will Keightley The pen is mighty. Though you may not be able to beat a sword with a pen in combat, in most other endeavors the pen is the more useful tool. Through writing you can express your view and turn the tides on the thoughts of others. You can write to your local newspaper, magazine, or college publication about environmental issues that are important to you. Don't forget to write about the positive things you see as well! If there is an organization or person who you believe is making a difference, write them a thank you letter. Positive reinforcement will let them see that people are appreciating what they are doing. And hopefully, what they are doing will catch on! Use the virtual world to change reality. The internet is an ocean of information that you spend a lot of time surfing. Why not spend some time on the internet making your words heard? There is no larger audience to talk to. You can easily learn new things, spread knowledge, and start a conversation on the internet. These conversations between people with similar interests can spark group conservation action. Scientists can even use sites like twitter to share their new ideas. Picture by Kim Piper Werker Quick Tip: Why not start an ocean blog on a site like blogger or tumblr? You can share what you love and get other people to care as well. There are many reasons to start a blog. Make Policy Blue. Calling, writing, or visiting your representative can make a world of a difference for the ocean. They are the ones who craft your nation's interactions with the ocean. You can influence policy in other ways as well. How about starting or signing an online petition? Cover Photo by Kim Seng, flickr user captainkimo The Seas the Day initiative encourages and empowers people to take ocean conservation personally. Each month, we feature a new conservation theme with ways to help so come back regularly for more ocean-helping ideas and tips! Created mainly to support our partner ZAMs (Zoos, Aquariums, and Museums and other visitor-serving organizations involved in our growing network) in motivating conservation action, Seas the Day is for you to tailor for your own purposes. Please use any or all of the content verbatim and re-post on your own blog, social media channels, website, newsletter, etc. We have a large database of action tips and related content for you to use so let us know what’s most helpful and what other action-able types of information and resources we can provide to enhance your conservation efforts.
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Seas the Day in July – Eating for a Better World
"After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one's own relations." -Oscar Wilde "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." -J.R.R. Tolkin “Seas” the days of July by thinking about what you eat. Your well-traveled food comes from all over the world, and is grown with many different techniques, often in ways that aren't sustainable. The decisions you make about what goes on your plate affect much more than just your dinner table. Your choices can help craft a healthy future. Find out where your fish is from. Seafood can be a very safe and healthy dish for you, but you have to check out where it comes from. Certain forms of seafood are high in toxins and mercury, while others aren't fished sustainably. Some scientists worry that if our current rate of fishing continues, the world's fisheries can collapse. We can help through the decisions we make at home. Curious what fish are ocean-friendly? You can download the seafood watch app right onto your phone. This app will help you find seafood that's good for you, and the sea! By Natalie Maynor, flickr user NatalieMaynor Minimize meat. If you're a meat eater, think about participating in Meatless Mondays. This may not only improve your health but it also has great environmental benefits. The meat industry generates a large carbon footprint which contributes to climate change. You can help prevent this by minimizing meat consumption. Chow down close to home. You don't want your food to be more well-traveled than you are. On average, our food has traveled 1,500 miles to reach us and consumes a lot of energy to make it that far. The great amounts of fossil fuels used in this trip harms our oceans. In comparison, local food doesn't have to go on a long journey to reach our plates. Local food has tons of benefits. It helps the local economy and preserves the farms near your home. Since it's fresher and hasn't had to travel far, it usually tastes better than the alternatives. This food also has more nutrients and is generally healthier for you. Farmers' Markets are a good place to pick up delicious food directly from farmers. To find a location, you can search using the USDA's directory. Feed yourself. Growing food can be a fun (and tasty!) alternative to picking it up at a store. Why not celebrate this Fourth of July by staging your own food mini-revolution? If you have a garden, why not grow some tomatoes? By: Marju Randmer, flickr user isutekitaja Or if you want to grow something indoors, herbs like basil and oregano will do well if they are put in a window with lots of sun. You can even use some of your home-grown food to make your Fourth of July meal even tastier! Cover Photo by Ian Sheddan, flickr user imsvsims The Seas the Day initiative encourages and empowers people to take ocean conservation personally. Each month, we feature a new conservation theme with ways to help so come back regularly for more ocean-helping ideas and tips! Created mainly to support our partner ZAMs (Zoos, Aquariums, and Museums and other visitor-serving organizations involved in our growing network) in motivating conservation action, Seas the Day is for you to tailor for your own purposes. Please use any or all of the content verbatim and re-post on your own blog, social media channels, website, newsletter, etc. We have a large database of action tips and related content for you to use so let us know what’s most helpful and what other action-able types of information and resources we can provide to enhance your conservation efforts.
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Seas the Day in June – Explore the Outdoors
“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” -André Gide “Not all those who wander are lost.” -J.R.R. Tolkien We live on a planet that's mostly covered by an ocean, let's explore it! The warm month of June is a perfect time to go outside and have an adventure. Whether you are exploring a beach, a park, or a desert, spend some time in nature this month. It's a wonderful time to remember how connected we all are to nature, and the ocean. Have a true blue vacation. picture by Trey Ratcliff, flickr user stuckincustoms Traveling is fun, but can also be a huge strain on the environment. Transportation such as planes and cars use a lot of fuel to move people to their destinations. Why not visit somewhere close to home or take public transportation such as trains? However if you want to go farther on your adventure, try to make your travels blue. Make sure you don't litter or bother the wildlife during your trip. You can also aid the environment on your travels by looking for environmentally minded trips through organizations like earthwatch. You can learn about ocean health while exploring beautiful new locations! Don't leave your home plugged in. If you're leaving for a whole month or just a day, it's time to give your electronics a break. Unplug all your electronics before you leave the house. Also make sure your AC and lights are off! There's no need to be using energy when you aren't home. Participate in World Oceans Day. picture by David Barnas, flickr user dave-a-roni June 8th is World Oceans Day so wear blue to save the blue. It's also a great day to show your appreciation for the ocean. Why not organize or participate in a beach cleanup? You can also donate money to your local ocean organization. Quick tip: To find out more about World Oceans Day and its events, check out our site! Cover photo by NOAA's national ocean service flickr user usoceangov The Seas the Day initiative encourages and empowers people to take ocean conservation personally. Each month, we feature a new conservation theme with ways to help so come back regularly for more ocean-helping ideas and tips! Created mainly to support our partner ZAMs (Zoos, Aquariums, and Museums and other visitor-serving organizations involved in our growing network) in motivating conservation action, Seas the Day is for you to tailor for your own purposes. Please use any or all of the content verbatim and re-post on your own blog, social media channels, website, newsletter, etc. We have a large database of action tips and related content for you to use so let us know what’s most helpful and what other action-able types of information and resources we can provide to enhance your conservation efforts.
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Seas the Day in May – Green Gardening
“All at last returns to the sea- to Oceanus, the ocean river, like the ever-flowing streams of time, the beginning and the end.” – Rachel Carson Create an ocean-friendly lawn and garden. Last month (https://theoceanproject.org/2014/04/seas-the-day-april-clean-green/), we discussed ways to help clean your home the ocean-friendly way. This month you can help the ocean by creating a truly green garden. Make your lawn and garden seahorse-friendly. Remember, your local river most likely leads, eventually, to the ocean! Chemicals used on lawns and gardens can harm pets and are also poisonous to children, as well as downstream ocean creatures. Take some time to educate yourself about the practices and benefits of green gardening. As a green garden novice, take time this month to learn the basics. Rains can wash off what's on your yard, so join the growing movement to rid ourselves of toxic lawn pesticides and other chemicals. If you allow your grass and other plants to grow deep roots and keep grass clippings on the lawn, you can reduce the amount of fertilizer you use. Find non-toxic options for controlling lawn and garden pests. Take the initiative this month to go aqua-green in your own yard and protect our blue backyard – the ocean! Plant wisely. What you choose to plant can be an act of ocean conservation, wildlife protection, and energy savings. You can save energy with energy efficient landscaping such as coniferous (evergreen) trees on the north side and deciduous (leafy) trees on the south side of your home to block winter winds and summer sun. Many people are using low maintenance native plants that are adapted to the local environment and don’t need much watering or special attention, saving you time and money. And remember to share what you are learning with your friends, others in your community and beyond. The more people who find out how simple it can be to make a difference for our ocean, the bigger that positive difference will become! Turn your food to feed. Start a compost pile in your backyard with your kitchen scraps, or buy a small bin with composting worms that generate high-quality fertilizer indoors. Compost is a great addition to your plants' soil and a natural alternative to fertilizers. Producing less garbage and eliminating chemical fertilizers help maintain ocean health by keeping trash and toxics out of our waterways that feed into the seas. Check this for some more composting tips! The Seas the Day initiative encourages and empowers people to take ocean conservation personally. Each month, we feature a new conservation theme with ways to help so come back regularly for more ocean-helping ideas and tips! Created mainly to support our partner ZAMs (Zoos, Aquariums, and Museums and other visitor-serving organizations involved in our growing network) in motivating conservation action, Seas the Day is for you to tailor for your own purposes. Please use any or all of the content verbatim and re-post on your own blog, social media channels, website, newsletter, etc. We have a large database of action tips and related content for you to use so let us know what’s most helpful and what other action-able types of information and resources we can provide to enhance your conservation efforts.
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Seas The Day April – Clean Green
The Seas the Day initiative encourages and empowers people…
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Seas the Day March – Green Transportation Choices
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Seas the Day February – Get connected!
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Seas the Day January- Resolve to do Great
The Seas the Day initiative encourages and empowers people to take ocean conservation personally. Each month, we feature a new conservation theme with ways to help so come back regularly for more ocean-friendly ideas and tips! Created mainly to support our partner ZAMs (Zoos, Aquariums, and Museums and other visitor-serving organizations involved in our growing network) in their efforts to motivate conservation action with their visitors, Seas the Day is for you to tailor for your own purposes. Please use any of the content verbatim and re-post on your own blog, social media channels, website, newsletter, etc. We have a large database of action tips and related content for you to use. Let us know what’s most helpful and what other types of information and resources we can provide to enhance your efforts to motivate action for the ocean. Resolve to do Great! Did you know that the health of the ocean directly contributes to the health of the human race? From the type of food that we consume to the quality of the air we breathe, a healthy ocean means healthy people. By adding “Ocean Fitness” to a list of New Year’s Resolutions, you can be part of sustaining the beauties of beaches, the communities in coral reefs, and the playtimes of porpoises. Create The Ocean is a beautiful place that has provided the inspiration for many excellent pieces of art. You can be a part of that wonderful tradition by making something beautiful inspired by it. Write, draw, or paint and share your creations. Art, after all, has long given important topics emotional weight necessary to create change. Meditate It can be hard to want to go outside while Old Man Winter has you in his grip. Fortunately, most people feel this way. Pile on some layers, grab a hot beverage and go outside! For those by beaches there are the myriad benefits: the ocean looks wilder, is emptier, and the air more crisp. Grab your camera and enjoy the fresh, salty breaths. Not near the ocean? There are unique natural beauties everywhere, all with their own perks. Go get surprised how the noise of nature can silence the bustle in your brain. Participate After celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Day on the 17th, do honor to his memory by taking action. Many towns and states have their own Adopt-A-Spot program and a group can make a great difference. Want to do more? June 8th and World Oceans Day is coming up quickly! Visit the World Oceans Day website for event ideas and put one together in your community. WOD events are a great way to celebrate this wet planet and take small steps toward keeping it healthy. - Arianna Baker, Conservation Associate
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