It doesn’t have to be December to start thinking about ways to help the environment, but your new year resolutions can certainly include things you can do in the upcoming year to make more eco-conscious choices. It’s not just about saving money on utility bills or using less gas, but about protecting the ocean and our planet. Why should we protect aquatic ecosystems? The ocean is vital to the planet’s life, generating oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide, and regulating the earth’s temperature. You don’t have to make huge changes to be more eco-friendly.
Embrace Reusable Products
Start with small changes. Invest in reusable shopping bags and make a point to keep them in your car. You’ll reduce your reliance on those plastic shopping bags that are difficult to store and recycle. Find other products to replace items that you easily throw away. Choose metal or glass straws. Look for travel cups or reusable water bottles. Once you buy items that are reusable, push yourself to use them. When you’re purchasing items that will be used once or twice before you throw them away, do a quick search for an eco-friendly replacement. You might be surprised with what you find.
Educate Yourself on Environmental Issues
One way to be more eco-conscious is to learn more about what affects the environment. You don’t need to do an in-depth study. Just read a couple of articles each week about environmental issues. Use this endangered marine animals list to understand what is affecting animals in the ocean. Information can help you make better decisions.
Choose Eco-Friendly Commute Options
Over one-quarter of greenhouse gas emissions are from transportation. The impact vehicles have on the environment is astounding. Find alternate ways to get to work than driving a car. If you can bike or use public transportation, you’ll be helping reduce the environmental impact of your commute. As more people make changes, it can clear up congestion on the highways.
Shop Local
You’ll find fresher produce at local farmers markets than you do at the big box stores. When you support local businesses, you keep your tax dollars local. You create jobs in your community. Shopping local is eco-friendly, too. Purchase local food to cut down on transportation costs and refrigeration requirements. Support local farmers and producers who transform and care for the land.
Go Meatless
Reducing your use of meat and dairy products can impact the environment in multiple ways. Dairy farming creates a lot of pollution. Livestock produce methane when they pass gas. Transportation of meat and dairy products create emissions. Going meatless one or two days a week can really help planet Earth. Eating more vegetables is good for you too. Always buy sustainable proteins, that were produced responsibly.
Enjoy Nature
Get out in the great outdoors to appreciate why you need to be environmentally aware. San Diego boat tours are a wonderful way to explore marine life to understand your impact on animals and the planet. Book a date for your tour to get a glimpse of some of the most beautiful creatures in the ocean.
