Today marks World Ocean Day, and what better way to celebrate than to join hands (and fins) in cleaning up our magnificent oceans?
World Ocean Day is a global celebration of the beauty and importance of our oceans, and taking part in clean-up efforts is an excellent way to show our dedication to their preservation. You can become an active participant in the global movement to protect and restore our marine ecosystems by participating in local events, organising your own clean-up or donating virtually.
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Here are five ways to get involved this World Ocean Day:
1. Join a local clean-up event
Check with your local environmental organisations, community centres or coastal authorities to see if any organised clean-up events are taking place in your area. These gatherings frequently bring together people who share a love of the ocean. By taking part, you not only help to clean up the environment, but you also meet new people and form long-lasting bonds with like-minded souls.
Here are some organisations hosting clean-ups:
The Two Oceans Aquarium’s Trash Bash
- Date: 10 June, 9am
- Location: Mouille Point Beach
Eco Diva Natural’s Camps Bay Beach Clean-up
- Date: 8 June, 8am
- Location: Camps Bay Beach
Atlantic Suzuki’s Hout Bay Beach Clean-up
- Date: 10 June, 10am
- Location: Mariners Wharf, Hout Bay
2. Organise your own clean-up
If no local events are scheduled, take the initiative and organise your own! Gather a group of friends, family or coworkers who are eager to help.
Choose a beach, riverbank or other body of water that needs some TLC, and bring gloves, trash bags and other necessary cleaning supplies.
3. Plogging
Combine your love of fitness with your commitment to a cleaner ocean by ‘plogging.’ This Scandinavian craze entails jogging while picking up litter along the way. Start your ocean-friendly workout routine with a sturdy bag. You’ll be surprised at how much trash you can collect in a single jog.
You will not only stay fit, but you will also contribute to the well-being of marine life.
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4. Virtual clean-up initiatives
There are virtual initiatives that you can participate in from the comfort of your own home. You can support ocean conservation projects, donate to marine-focused charities and even organise virtual awareness campaigns through a variety of online platforms.
Share educational posts, create engaging content and encourage your online community to take action to protect the oceans.
5. Dive into citizen science
Make your ocean cleanup efforts even more effective by incorporating citizen science projects. Consider participating in or organising clean-up events in collaboration with research organisations. Collect information about the types and quantities of marine debris you encounter, photograph unusual finds and report your findings to these organisations.
Your contribution will help researchers better understand and address the issue of ocean pollution.
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Picture: Samuel Scrimshaw / Unsplash