Solutions for Ocean Pollution

We often hear of the causes of environmental issues, but do you know some solutions for ocean pollution? Many changes in the way we live could make the biggest differences on a global level as well as small steps you can take at home to save our oceans.

Ocean Pollution Causes

Human activity is destroying our oceans and the life that they contain. While some pollution occurs directly in or at the edge of the ocean from ships and coastal communities, a majority of it comes from land and air pollution that may occur miles and miles away. The biggest causes of ocean pollution include:

·         Oil spills and leaks

·         Agricultural runoff and pesticides

·         Industrial waste

·         Trash dumping, especially plastic

·         Air pollution and acid rain

·         Sewage and sludge

Large Scale Solutions for Ocean Pollution

It's hard to clean up pollution once it has occurred, so the best plan is prevention. Several big-picture changes must take place to keep industry in check and encourage sustainable practices, not only in the US but across the globe:

·         Stricter government regulations on industry and manufacturing

·         Renewable energy sources so off-shore drilling no longer needed

·         Limit agricultural pesticides

·         Proper sewage treatment

·         Cut down on waste and contain landfills

Changes to Make at Home

Surprisingly, some of the best solutions for ocean pollution can occur on the level of the individual or single home. Even if you live in a place that is completely landlocked, your actions still affect the health of these bodies of water. You've probably heard a lot about adopting a "green" lifestyle, and most of these basic tenements apply to protecting the oceans. Do your part by making these ocean-friendly choices:

·         Carry a reusable shopping bag instead of plastic bags

·         Store food in reusable containers instead of those you throw away

·         Avoid products that come with excess packaging

·         Don't litter

·         Recycle

·         Volunteer your time to clean up a beach if you live nearby

·         Visit the beach, tourism improves coastal communities

·         Lobby your politicians on environmental issues

·         Donate to an organization that protects the ocean

Organizations that Protect the Oceans

There are a plethora of organizations dedicated to preventing pollution and cleaning up the pollution that has already occurred. Don't watch the television helplessly and tear up over the images of oil-slicked birds and trash-covered beaches. Use these websites as resources to learn more about pollution solutions, and consider donating your money or your time.

·         Blue Ocean Society

·         Greenpeace

·         MarineBio Conservation Organization

·         National Coalition for Marine Conservation

·         Ocean Conservancy

·         Ocean Research and Conservation Association (ORCA)

Fortunately, our oceans are resilient, but we must stop creating pollution if we expect the situation to improve. The best way to start fighting ocean pollution is to educate yourself on what causes it and start making small changes at home. We can't clean up all of the oceans today or even tomorrow, but we can begin working to improve them for subsequent generations.