High Impact Actions

• Consume less energy. The oceans absorb most of the heat of our warming planet. Anything you can do to conserve energy will help relieve the burden on our oceans. Most people's largest energy use comes from AC/heating and drying clothes.
• Compost. The methane released from food waste is 80 times as harmful as carbon dioxide. Participate in curbside compost pickup where available, or compost at home.  There are a variety of options, from traditional compost bins to green cones.
• Reduce Runoff. Using captured rainwater to water your lawn or garden will reduce the burden on local waterways, and also help prevent waterway contamination due to runoff during heavy rainfall. Many cities offer a rebate or discount on rain barrels.
• Choose an EV. When you’re ready for a new vehicle, consider an electric or hybrid vehicle.  Like any car, it takes energy to manufacture an electric car but the overall footprint is still less than a gas-powered car.
• Eat more plants, less meat.
• Divest. Does your bank fund the fossil fuel industry? You can browse sustainable banks here.
• Be a role model.  Humans are social creatures- we do what we see others doing.  The more we talk to each other about our concerns for the planet, and share the positive actions we’re taking, the more that message will spread. Share your concerns with your elected representatives as well.

Americans throw away more than 60 million plastic water bottles each day.  90% of these bottles are not recycled- they end up in landfill or worse, in our oceans.  There are many great reusable water bottles, but we love Naeco bottles.  With each purchase Naeco plants a resilient type of coral, helping to regenerate precious ecosystems.

No matter where you live the products you put on your lawn will eventually flow into the water system. Practice organic gardening and avoid unnecessary pesticides and fertilizers. There are many many great organic gardening groups who can help guide you!

Similarly, modern agriculture uses huge amounts of chemicals that flow into our waterways.  Shopping at your local farmers market and buying organic produce  helps to support ocean-friendly farming practices.

Laundry is a significant source of plastic pollution in the ocean.  Our clothes shed microplastics, which travel from our washing machines into our waterways.  Scientists now estimate that textiles are responsible for 35% of microplastic polloution in the world's oceans.  Here are some steps to take to help address the problem:

• Wash clothes on the cold, which is easier on clothing and less energy intensive
• Wash only full loads
• Use unscented  laundry detergent to avoid releasing phthalates into our waterways
• When buying new items choose planet-friendly fabrics such as organic hemp, linen, organic or recycled cotton