It starts with you: helping the ocean from Tarleton State University

BY MADALYNN DAVIS

Contributing Writer

The health of our oceans is important. They produce over half of the world's oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, provide food and medicinal products and create more than 100 million jobs worldwide. 

Recently there has been a rise in pollutants, causing issues ranging from unhealthy ecosystems to negative impacts on sea-borne industries.
Every person has a connection to the ocean, whether they realize it or not. One major connection is waterways, which include watersheds, rivers, lakes and streams. Pollutants get picked up by waterways and are carried down from vast distances that ultimately lead to the ocean. 

Larger pollutants like trash may not always make it to the ocean, but smaller pollutants like chemicals and bacteria do.
Michael Scherer is the program director for Fishings Future, an organization dedicated to teaching environmental stewardship and increasing awareness for the protection, conservation and restoration of the nation’s aquatic natural resources. He is passionate about ocean conservation.
“People should care because it [the ocean] affects every single one of us living on this planet. It's the reason we all can breathe, and if that's not a good enough reason to care, I'm not sure what is,” Scherer said.
Here are six actionable things you can do in no particular order to help our oceans.

1. Reduce plastic use

The number one polluter of the ocean is plastic. According to the Ocean Legacy Foundation, it makes up 80% of the pollution in the ocean. Reducing single-use plastics like bags, water bottles and food containers can help lower the number of pollutants going into the ocean. 

Other options to use instead of these items include reusable bags, water bottles and food containers. Utilizing anything that is reusable can assist the health of our ocean.

​2. Pick up non-biodegradable items and put them in the trash
Non-biodegradable items are materials that can not be broken down naturally. These can range from plastics to metals and even harsh chemicals. Picking up these items and ensuring they are in the trash can reduce the chances of them making their way into our ocean. Although it may be gross to pick up, it is important because one small pollutant can affect an entire ecosystem.

3. Avoid buying marine-made products
Purchasing marine-made products like jewelry made out of shell and shark teeth can contribute to the harsh practices in which companies obtain them. 

One of the ways shells and shark teeth are removed from the ocean is by trawling the ocean floor. This destroys coral reefs and results in major habitat loss for the marine ecosystem. Instead, purchase fake or fossilized shark teeth and shells to increase ocean sustainability. 

Although coastal jewelry isn't often sold in the Stephenville region, protecting the ocean is important for everyone, not just coastal communities. 

“We are all so connected; everyone should do their part in caring for it,” Scherer said.

4. Pick up your dog's poop
This one is for people with dogs. Dog poop carries bacteria like E. coli, which is extremely harmful to our oceans. 

Leaving dog poop on the ground causes these bacteria to travel into our waterways and eventually into the ocean. However, picking up the dog poop and ensuring it gets thrown away will alleviate this problem.

5. Avoid using toxic chemicals
Toxic chemicals can be found in harsh cleaners such as bleach, sanitizers and disinfectants.  These chemicals can create zones where oxygen is so low that marine life cannot survive. It also affects the health of marine ecosystems as a whole. 

Eliminating the use of these can help with the health of our oceans. Using vinegar, baking soda and water is a good, non-toxic alternative to harsh cleaners and still gets the job done.

6. Use less water
Using less water reduces the amount of polluted water going into waterways. Taking shorter showers, doing laundry only with a full load of clothes, turning the faucets off when washing dishes and not using water when you don't have to are all ways to save water. 
It can be daunting to try to incorporate all six of these tips. Starting slow with just one or two steps, as well as educating people about ocean health and conservation, can all make a difference. 
​“The more the merrier, every single person can make a difference; it's just a matter of when they want to. By going out and informing the people who may not know as much about the topic as you do makes the difference. People can't make the change if they don't know how,” Scherer said.
Our oceans are important, and even from 300 miles away, we can implement ways to help it stay healthy for future generations.