Can you make a swap to help protect the ocean?
In a progressively busy world, living sustainably can very quickly drop off our ‘to-do’ list of priorities; from childcare to deadlines, it’s so easy to get caught up in life and lose track of the ways we are individually trying to reduce our environmental impact.
As we live through increasingly unprecedented times, with greater and greater understanding of anthropological effects on our planet it is often difficult to know where to start. Over the last few years, the definition of sustainability is shifting – activist burnout and eco-anxiety are very much real and we are moving towards a definition of sustainability which ensures our mental wellbeing is supported alongside our environmental efforts. Sustainability now means taking care of yourself too. In addition, the sheer volume of options available now can be overwhelming, often pricey or time consuming, attempting everything all at once is exhausting. So, take a step back and ‘seas’ one day at a time.
Here are five small ‘swap-sea’ suggestions for over the summer months.
- Bubble-icious
I should have grown out of blowing bubbles about 10 (okay 15) years ago, but I’ll still be joining in with my cousins and God children in the back garden this summer. Any good bubble creator knows that you need 1 part washing up liquid to 6 parts water for the perfect bubble blowing consistency. However, many washing up liquids found in your local supermarket contain various chemicals that can disrupt aquatic eco-systems. Luckily there’s a ton of better options available now, (I’d recommend perusing online) – and whilst you’re there you may as well make the swap in your kitchen too!
- Drink up
Simple but effective, reusable water bottles are the latest fashion accessory. Bottled water can be 900 times more carbon intensive than tap water, not to mention issues with disposing of single use plastic. Cheap and funky bottle options exist and apps are starting to be developed to help you find local places to refill and stay hydrated this summer.
- Pick-nic it up
Eating outside in summer is one of the best parts of the season. Invest in lightweight reusable dishes and cutlery and make sure to take all your rubbish with you! If you’re by the sea you can always do a quick beach clean and leave the beach even cleaner than how you found it.
- Glorious mud
Spending more time outside in the warmer months inevitably leads to even more clothes to wash. It is estimated that microfibers from laundering our textiles produces 35% of micro plastic pollution in the world’s oceans. If you have the ability, you could consider adding a filter to your washing machines outflow, but an easier solution could be to invest in a laundry ball or bag which will catch microfibers before they leave your machine.
- The (tuna) steaks are high
Approaching barbecue season – ‘season’ being just one week of the year- means this is an excellent time to look at the food we’re consuming. If you choose to consume seafood, make sure you’re checking it’s sustainably produced. Our partners over at the Marine Conservation Society have an excellent good fish guide (https://www.mcsuk.org/goodfishguide/). Their seafood ratings help you to make the most sustainable choice.
Making a ‘swap-sea’ this summer? We’d love to share it with our following, make sure to tag us @WildCoastSussex and #SwapSeas.