Without a doubt, the ocean is one of the most beautiful gifts on this planet. The splendor and mystery of the ocean is never-ending. Plus, it provides us with food, incredible beaches to enjoy, waves to surf, and 70% of the oxygen humans inhale.
Unfortunately, due to our current practices and ever-growing population, the purity of the ocean is endangered. Much of our human waste makes it into the seas. The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, which holds about 97% of all the water on Earth. Every day the ocean is subjected to chemical run-off from pesticides used in agriculture and sewage discharge from factories and industrial plants, resulting in oxygen depletion and killing our sea life and biodiversity. The beauty and skincare industry plays a large role in this as well, as many of the chemicals and plastics found in our skincare products also find their way into the ocean.
Fortunately, we are still at a point where it is not too late to save our oceans and reverse the damage we have caused over the years. The loud voices of researchers and environmentalists are spreading awareness. More consumers are concerned with the products they are purchasing and how that affects the environment than ever before. So, let’s dig into what harms our seas and eco-friendly ways to protect our ocean.
What the hype about micro and nano-plastics?
Nowadays, it’s trendy to “say no to plastic” and carry around your own reusable bag and coffee thermos. And for good reason! Plastic debris is the most common type of waste found in the ocean. Most of the plastic we see are large pieces, called macro-plastics. Small pieces of plastic less than five millimeters long are called “microplastics.” There are many micro-plastic beads found in cosmetic products. These microplastics then deteriorate further into nano-plastics. I’ve seen some estimates that by the year 2050, the ocean will contain more plastic than fish by weight. That estimate is heartbreaking.
The issue is, plastic doesn’t really degrade naturally on its own. As time passes, plastics deteriorate into microplastics and nanoplastics and also release toxic chemicals into the environment. These plastic particles are consumed by marine animals, which humans eat, and also damage coral reefs and the habitats of sea life.
So what can we do to reduce our plastic use?
Use Renewable Materials When Possible
In modern society, it is quite difficult to avoid all plastics, but we can do our best to reduce our plastic use. we can’t 100% avoid plastic in our lives, so always think of ways on how to reduce the use of plastic. Resorting to renewable materials like glass or aluminum is one way to help minimize micro-plastics and nano-plastics in our oceans.
Small changes you can make to your routine can have a big impact. Instead of drinking water from plastic cups in your office, consider bringing your own refillable water bottle. Instead of reaching for a plastic straw, carry a stainless steel straw in your purse. One of my favorite ways to reduce plastic use is by using Stasher Bags instead of zip-lock bags. I use these bags every day, for pretty much everything!
Bulk Buying = Happy Environment
Buying in bulk can not only be more affordable, it is also better for the environment. Shops are popping up all over the place where you can bring your own containers and fill them. I personally buy almost all of my dry goods (oats, lentils, nuts, dried fruit, etc.) and also things like soap and laundry detergent from a bulk store. This cuts down on plastic waste and of course, don’t forget to bring your own bag.
Choose your sunscreen wisely
Did you know, sunscreen also has a huge impact on the environment? The majority of sunscreens are full of harmful ingredients. Happy beach goes slather on sunscreen and then hop into the ocean for a swim, unaware of the fact that they can be damaging coral reefs. The main chemical culprits here are oxybenzone and octinoxate. The State of Hawaii has actually passed a bill banning sunscreens containing these chemicals to mitigate harm to the state’s coral reefs and sea life. Fortunately, due to an increase of awareness around this issue, many reef-safe sunscreens are entering the marketplace. Consumers now have the option to protect their skin and also protect the environment.
Prioritize mineral sunscreen
Look for sunscreens made with zinc oxide, which acts as a physical barrier on your skin again the sun, effectively blocking UVA and UVA Rays.
Consider a non-nano option
Non-nano means the ingredient’s particles are above 100 nanometers in size. Nano particles can enter the bloodstream, but non-nano particles cannot, which is safer for you.
You can check out my favorite reef-safe, non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen here. It smells good, goes on smooth and doesn’t leave a white, chalky residue on the skin.
Other Things to Consider: How Do You Wash Your Clothes?
Another thing adding to the plastic problem in the ocean is the clothes we wear and how we wash them. I honestly never thought much about how I washed my clothes, but it is likely that these routine activities harm marine life.
What Are Microfibers?
Clothes made of synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon, etc.) release tiny microfibers when washed in a washing machine. The tiny fibers travel from your washing machine, to a wastewater treatment plant, and then further to our rivers, lakes and oceans. There are a few steps you can take to mitigate harm to the environment and our aquatic life.
Buy clothes made of natural fibers
Unlike synthetic fabrics, clothes made from natural fibers such as cotton, hemp and silk don’t release harmful microfibers into the environment. Natural clothes will also boost your health, reduce your carbon footprint and make you feel great knowing that you are taking a step to protect the ocean.
Wash with cool water
Warmer water can cause additional shedding when doing your laundry, breaking up the fibers even more. Washing your clothes in cool water also extends the lifespan of your clothing.
Air dry your clothes when you can!
Drying your clothes in a dryer also contributes to the release of microfibers. Air drying is better for the environment and also better for your clothing so considering air drying when possible. dryers may contribute to the release of microfibers.
Consider using a Guppyfriend Bag
I recently learned about these Guppyfriend washing bags specifically designed to reduce the amount of microfibers entering our bodies of water. You simply wash your synthetic garments inside of the bag and then remove the mircofibers and throw them away in the trash. You can check them out here.
Thank you for reading about this topic that is dear to my heart. We all have an individual responsibility to do our part to protect our planet. What are some things that you do to reduce your environmental imprint? What kind of sunscreen are you using? How do you plan on protecting the ocean with these eco-friendly ideas? I’d love to hear in the comments!
Ready to keep reading? Check out : Everything You Need To Know About Facial Oils 101
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