The Earth’s surface is covered by about 70% water, and most of it is found in the seas. These waters are not only beautiful but also essential for life, providing oxygen, supporting marine plants and animals, and offering food.
Yet, these waters face growing threats from pollution and human negligence. Here are ten friendly and practical actions you can take to keep our seas and oceans clean and thriving.
Choose Reusable Over Disposable
Single-use items may seem convenient, but many are not recyclable and often end up polluting the sea. Whenever possible, pick items made from biodegradable or reusable materials. This small change can have a big positive impact on marine life.
Save Water at Home
Water is precious. Use it wisely to reduce waste. Taking showers instead of baths, turning off taps while brushing teeth, and fixing leaky pipes can all help conserve clean water. Dishwashers and washing machines have eco-friendly settings—use those to make a difference with every wash.
Keep Toilets Waste-Free
Flushing items like wipes, cotton buds, or hygiene products can harm marine ecosystems. These objects may break apart and flow into rivers and seas, endangering marine life. Use bins for such waste and help keep waterways clean.
Respect Street Drains
City drains connect to larger water systems. Throwing trash like wrappers or small items into them sends harmful waste toward the sea. These materials don’t disappear—they pile up and create long-lasting pollution. Dispose of trash in proper bins to stop the cycle.
Carry a Refillable Bottle
In many areas, public drinking water is clean and free. Using a refillable bottle reduces plastic waste and keeps drinks at your desired temperature. It’s also a great way to save money and reduce the impact of plastic containers.
Leave Beaches Cleaner Than You Found Them
Thousands of tons of waste end up in the sea every year. A simple way to help is by always bringing a bag to collect your trash at the beach. Picking up even a few extra pieces left by others protects the coast and all the creatures who call it home.
Pick Products With Eco-Friendly Packaging
Choose items with packaging made from recyclable or biodegradable materials. Items like glass, paper, and some plastics and metals can be reprocessed if disposed of correctly. Supporting this cycle helps reduce the pressure on the natural world.
Dispose of Used Cooking Oils Properly
Pouring used oils down the sink is a major pollution source. It blocks pipes and, once it reaches water bodies, forms a film that harms aquatic life. Many communities now have collection points for used oils. Use them to keep water safe.
Use Natural Cleaning Products
Some soaps and cleaners contain substances that don’t break down easily and may end up polluting water supplies. Choose products labeled as biodegradable or plant-based. They’re safer for your home and the environment.
Observe Without Disturbing
Shells and sea creatures are part of a delicate system. Removing shells or touching marine life—especially starfish—can be damaging. These organisms rely on their surroundings to survive. Watching and appreciating them without interference helps maintain their natural balance.
Every small act adds up. Whether it's choosing sustainable products, avoiding littering, or simply respecting marine life, your everyday choices can help preserve our beautiful seas. These waters give life, beauty, and balance to the planet—let’s return the favor with kind and mindful actions. Together, Lykkers, we can make waves of change!