Want to help make our oceans healthier and sea turtles happier? All of us have the power to impact the ocean in positive ways. Here are three simple changes you can make that will have a big impact.
Storm the Castle
Building sandcastles is such a meditative and creative outlet. Unfortunately, if left standing, these sandy creations act as an obstacle course for nesting sea turtle mothers and hatchlings.
Before you leave the beach, knock down your castles so turtles have a clear, unobstructed path. Also, fill in any moats or holes you dug in the sand. Turtles could fall in and become injured or trapped.
Interesting fact: Some beaches have instituted a fine for every hole left unfilled.
Pack it Out
Plastic and other trash is very harmful for turtles, sea life, and oceans.Often trash cans on the beach blow over or overflow, allowing the trash to end up on the beach or in the water.
When you visit the beach, try to take waste-free snacks. Pack your food in reusable containers instead of baggies. Then, pack out your trash.
Take it a step further by picking up one (or three) pieces of litter before heading home.
Commit to a Reusable Lifestyle: ChicoBag makes amazingly durable, totally reusable items that are perfect for beach picnics. My current obsession? I keep their To-Go Ware utensil set in my purse so I never have to use single-use plastic sporks. Keep on reading to see how you can enter to win a set + more reusable goodness.
Skip the Straw
If you happened to catch the cringe-inducing
video of researchers prying a drinking straw from the nostril of an olive ridley sea turtle, you’re probably already taken the
No Straw Please pledge. If not, consider how these short-lived (and rather unnecessary) tools contribute to plastic pollution. Over
500,000,000 plastic straws are used in the U.S. – each day!
An alternative: If you simply must sip, you can still do your part to fight plastic pollution by switching to a more eco-friendly version. Aardvark Straws are made from paper and are completely biodegradable! Plus they come in lots of colors and designs – cute for a party or event.
"Sweet on Sea Turtles" Giveaway is complete. Congrats to our winner, Suzan Marchman!
Be sure to “Like”
Chico Bag on Facebook and comment on their June 12
th post for a chance to win a
Sweet on Sea Turtles Prize Pack that includes:
Snag another chance to win! “Like”
Endangered Species Chocolate on Facebook and comment there as well on June 12
th. Good luck!
Do you know of other easy ways to help ocean life? Share them in the comments below...this won't count as an entry for the giveaway but it will be nice to have your idea attached to this post!
