WooHoo summer is here! It’s time to pack up your sand toys and swimsuits and head out to the beach. However two serious issues are causing havoc with the world’s oceans; This summer take a moment to learn more about threats to the well being of the Ocean and the changes you can make to help prevent further harm from global warming and ocean acidification.
Carbon emissions from human activity are changing the Earth’s climate, leading to rising sea levels, and contributing to more frequent and intense extreme weather events that directly threaten every one of us–no matter whether we live along the coast or far inland. Recent public surveys show that ocean acidification is not yet well known but it’s an issue that will become much more prominent, and, fortunately, you can help make a real difference!
Get Green Power!
Use cleaner and healthier alternatives to fossil fuels and advocate for more! Buying green energy for your home is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon emissions. You can find some resources on Global Energy Network Institute. If you live in the US, check the EPA’s Green Power Partnership.
Commute wisely
Get out your bike or buy a used one, take public transportation more regularly, try car sharing, seek carpoolingpartners, or consider telecommuting on the phone or video service such as Skype. Every time you skip the car for one of these alternatives, you help our ocean!
Buy less stuff
Think before you buy and ask whether you really need something, or if you can get it used. Not only will you be helping the ocean but also the fun new hobby of thrifting is a great form of self expression, especially when it comes to things like clothing or home goods, where a vintage item can have more personality and quality than buying new at a store. If you’re in the US, you can click here to find a thrift store near you!
Encourage local government leadership!
Get your mayor to commit to helping by signing on to a coalition for the protection of the climate (e.g. Cities for Climate Protection Campaign or Mayors for Climate Protection). Many national governments are failing to take adequate action in a timely fashion, so we can each help at the local level to make the push for a safer, healthier blue planet. Plus, the more we do on the local front, the easier it becomes for national and global action with real “teeth” to make a difference in our lifetimes!
Vote with your dollars
Support socially responsible companies, and do your research to make sure it’s not just green washing or mere lip service to environmental protection. You can use websites like EthicalConsumer.org to check out companies and products. Check a corporation’s reputation against multiple websites and make the best choice!
50+UPF Sunny Sleevez
Sunny Sleevez 
Thank you. Practical advice is worth more than negative doomsday prediction. When the temperature is 105 deg F outside, it is difficult to walk more than a mile in the heat to the local store during the day, so I, as a fellow redhead, learn to plan visits in the early evening when the store is still open and the heat less oppressive (not forgetting that avoiding the blistering Sun is a plus) — sometimes, though, the temptation to drive in the middle of the day to save time is too easy to resist!
I agree with treetrunkrick, I appreciate the helpful advice and suggestions.
Totally agree with you! With little changes we can make the difference.. Your blog is impressive and thanks for following me on http://francescalovestotravel.wordpress.com/!
Great post! I agree! VOTE WITH YOUR DOLLARS!!!!!