8 Ways to Celebrate World Oceans Day Every Day

Happy World Oceans Day! The ocean connects people across the Earth. It regulates our climate, feeds millions of people, produces oxygen, absorbs carbon and supports an incredible array of wildlife. In order to ensure the health and safety of future generations, we must take responsibility to care for the ocean as it cares for us. As we start to celebrate together on this important day, we need to understand that the ocean needs us not only today, but every single day.

Here are 8 actions you can take to protect and celebrate the ocean today, tomorrow and every day:

1. Walk, bike or even swim to work. Stop driving so much!
   • ​​The ocean has already taken up enough of our emissions.  As a result, ocean acidification threatens not just marine plants and animals, but the entire biosphere. Learn why you should care about The Crisis Upon Us.
2. Offset your carbon with seagrass restoration​​. Why plant a tree when you can restore seagrass?
   • ​Seagrass habitats are up to 45x more effective than Amazonian rainforests in their carbon uptake abilities.
   • ​With just 1 acre, seagrass may support up to 40,000 fish and 50 million small invertebrates.
   • Calculate your carbon, reduce what you can and offset the rest with a donation to seagrass.
3. Make your summer vacation the best for you and the best for the ocean.
   • When searching for the perfect location, be on the lookout for eco-resorts and green hotels.
   • While there, make a toast to the coast with Papa’s Pilar Rum! Take a photo with the hastage #PilarPreserves. For every picture, Papa’s Pilar will donate $1 to The Ocean Foundation!
   • Celebrate summer with pro ocean activities: Swim, surf, snorkel, dive and sail the ocean!
4. Stop using plastic and reduce your junk!
   
   • Marine debris has quickly grown into one of the biggest threats to the ocean and its various creatures.​ 8 million tons of plastic are dumped in the ocean every year. How much trash did you create today?
   • Use reusable bags and avoid plastic packaging.
   • Use a stainless steel bottle, like a Klean Kanteen, as an alternative to plastic.
5. Volunteer for a local cleanup!
   • Even if you’re not near a coast, trash from rivers and storm drains can make it to the sea unless you stop it.
6. Make sure you know where your seafood comes from. Buy local seafood from local sources. Support your community!
7. Invest like you care about the ocean.
8. Help us create a healthy ocean and give back!
   • Support Ocean Leadership
   • Support Seagrass
   • Support Coral Reefs