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Today is World Oceans Day! Why do we celebrate World Oceans Day? Well let's find out from the day's sponsor, the UN:
- To remind everyone of the major role the oceans have in everyday life. They are the lungs of our planet, providing most of the oxygen we breathe.
- To inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean.
- To develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean.
- To mobilize and unite the world's population on a project for the sustainable management of the world's oceans. They are a major source of food and medicines and a critical part of the biosphere.
- To celebrate together the beauty, the wealth and the promise of the ocean.
The oceans play an important role in human survival. Although oceans cover over 70% of the Earth's surface, we've only explored about 10% of the entire ocean! Oceans absorb carbon dioxide and regulate weather patterns. And they contain over 20 million tons of gold -- who knew!
How can you help protect the ocean?
- Decrease your carbon footprint (drive less, insulate your house, eat less meat) -- the oceans can only absorb so much CO2 before we start to see negative effects from ocean acidification
- When choosing to eat seafood, refer to the handy-dandy Seafood Watch tool to make more sustainable choices.
- Protect your storm drains! Don't let plastics and other trash head into the storm drain -- eventually it ends up in the sea.
- Just say no to single use plastic bags. They often end up in the ocean, and they're deadly to sea life.
- Don't purchase items that exploit marine life, such as coral jewelry, tortoise shell or shark products.
- Educate yourself about oceans and then get involved in protecting the oceans.
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