“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we are coming back from whence we came” - John F. Kennedy. The ocean covers 70% of the surface of our planet and to this very day, less than 5% of that ocean has been explored.

Yet somehow humans have managed to have 80% of ocean pollution come from the land and the other 20% from shipping and fishing. Due to oil spills, fertilizers, garbage, sewage and toxic chemicals, the oceans are slowly turning from water filled with life to water filled with nothing. But it is never too late to change.

Humans have to take a step back and go clean up the mess that has been made of our seas. Hopefully, this article can provide you with some integral changes that you can make to your lifestyle, to help make a difference.

1. Beach cleanups

One way to keep the ocean healthier is through cleanup efforts. A lot of plastic caught in ocean currents eventually washes up on beaches. Removing it can prevent it from blowing out to sea again. And can also provide cleaner beaches for citizens who make use of the beautiful ocean coastlines.

2. Disposing of plastic properly

Disposing of plastic properly for recycling or trash collection is a key step in helping our environment. This helps keep them out of the waters and limits the amount of new plastic in circulation.

3. Using reusable items

The easiest and most direct way that you can make a difference is by reducing your use of single-use plastics. Single-use plastics include plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, utensils, and any other plastic items that are used once and then discarded. You can do this by purchasing and carrying around with you, reusable grocery bags, bottles, utensils, coffee cups, etc. These are simple things that can really cut down waste.

4. Support organizations addressing ocean pollution

There are many not-for-profit organizations that you can donate too to help continue their important work including, Oceanic Society and Plastic Pollution Coalition. There are also companies that produce products in which parts of the proceeds you made in your purchases go towards different environmental programs, including Sand Cloud, Buena Vida, and Pura Vida.

5. Spread the word

Keep updated with issues relating to Ocean Pollution and help educate others on the problem at hand. Inform your family and friends about how they can be apart of the solution.

There really isn’t much that can be done to help the ocean other than work to clean it and prevent ourselves from getting rid of our trash in improper ways. Individual actions can make a big difference, and the important thing is that we all do something, even if it’s something small.