10 Ways You Can Help #SAVETHEOCEAN While Traveling

Hannah
Jul 1, 2019
3 Comments

The ocean is a beautiful natural resource that is filled with amazing and thriving ecosystems. Marine life in the ocean is forever growing and surprising scientists with new and interesting environments each year. Unfortunately, the beauty of the ocean is far too often overlooked by humans. Because of this it is treated as if it will always be there. But that's not true. We have to learn how to protect the ocean.

According to the National Ocean’s Service, over 8 million metric tons of plastic goes into the ocean each year. And plastic DOES NOT decompose. Once plastic goes into the ocean it stays there, unless someone takes it out. Because of this, the plastic destroys precious ecosystems and thriving marine life.

The only way to stop this from happening is to make a change in our personal lives.

There are three objectives that one can focus on when trying to #protecttheocean:

Clean up the Oceans – We have done a lot of damage to the ocean and it is our responsibility to start cleaning it up.
Make Lifestyle Changes – Not only do we need to clean up the oceans but we need to stop polluting them. This requires some lifestyle changes.
Educate YOURSELF and OTHER – This one is key. The more we educate people on proper ways to recycle or compost as well as the necessity of making lifestyle changes the better chance we have of protecting the ocean.

Theses three main objectives are all things you can start doing TODAY at home or abroad. But what about when you are traveling?

HERE ARE 10 WAYS YOU CAN HELP #SAVETHEOCEAN WHILE TRAVELING

PERSONAL BEACH CLEAN-UP

Organizing a beach clean up doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Gather some friends, bring some trash bags and head to the beach. If you are traveling alone and staying in Hostels ask your hostel if they have any community beach clean-ups organized already. If they don’t have one ask around the hostel and see who might want to help.

INSIDER TIP: If you are in Asia you can look for an organization called: #TrashHero–

VOLUNTEER HOLIDAY

I understand that travel for many people is a once a year break from the exhaustion at home. For most people the last thing they want to do while on vacation is work. But a volunteer holiday doesn’t have to be seen as work. Think of it as a chance to see a new part of the world with a more open, aware and conscious lense.

For Example: For Scuba Divers out there you can check out this great Article from PADI. The article gives readers some places where you can go on a diving holiday while giving back to the ocean.

ECO-FRIENDLY HOSTELS AND HOTELS

More and more companies are becoming aware of sustainable practices. When you are looking on Hostelworld, Booking.com or Airbnb look for accommodation that is eco-friendly or incorporates sustainable practices.

You can learn more about sustainable hotels here on Miss Filatelista a sustainable travel blog.

CARRY YOUR OWN REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE (and straws+bags)

It may seem simple but it really can make a difference. A lot of hostels will have clean and free drinking water for guests. If you have your own water bottle you can save water and money.

Another small way you can help protect the ocean is by using sustainable cutlery and toothbrushes. You can buy a bamboo toothbrush, a metal straw and set of cutlery and a small cleaning tool for less than $10. I have a set that I carry around with me so that if I need a straw or fork I can use my own instead of being forced to use a plastic one.

YOU CAN BUY A REUSABLE STRAW KIT HERE:

Metal Straws Reusable Stainless Steal

USE A RASH GUARD INSTEAD OF SUNSCREEN

Rash guards are commonly used among divers and surfers but they really are great for anyone. The bathing suit clothing helps shield you from the sun without having to constantly keep putting on sunscreen.

If you’d rather not wear more clothing while swimming you can also try buying eco-friendly sunscreen. Just be prepared to pay a little bit more and bring extra because it is hard to find abroad.

Check out Stream2Sea for reef-friendly sunscreen or visit this link for my favorite rash guards: RASHGUARDS

BUY AND SUPPORT ETHICAL/SUSTAINABLE TOUR COMPANIES

This practice only requires a little bit more research. You can still do a lot of the same amazing tourist activities just look into the companies you are booking with. Double check that they are sustainable or at least check to see who controls or owns the business. Are they a chain company owned by a foreigner or are they a locally owner company?

Check out this article by Pebble Magazine to learn more: TOP ECO-FRIENDLY TRAVEL COMPANIES

DON’T TOUCH ANIMALS, PLANT LIFE, CORAL ETC IN THE OCEAN

: Frog Fish

: Cuttle Fish

: Puffer Fish

A Big thing is don’t take anything away from nature. This includes sticks, shells, flowers etc. As beautiful as the shells and flowers are they belong in nature. Think about it this way: If everyone who ever visited a National park took even one stone home with them then sooner or later there would be no more stones left.

USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

I love this one because as a budget traveler , I am always looking for a way to save a buck. Using public transportation is not only better for the environment but it is also cheaper. I recognize that it can feel a little intimidating to take the metro or bus when you are in a foreign country but more times than not it is a fairly easy system to understand. Ask your hostel or hotel about public transportation when you arrive.

SPEND YOUR $$ ON EXPERIENCES INSTEAD OF STUFF (souvenirs)

As tempting as it is to buy the next new starbucks mug or some knick knack at a local market chances are you won’t use it much once you get home. Instead of buying more things that end up in the landfill, spend your money on experiences. Use it to give back to the local community in a more active and sustainable way.

BRING YOUR OWN REUSABLE CONTAINER FOR TAKE-AWAY AND SNACKS

This last tip I feel goes overlooked often.

Think about everytime you go out for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Do you finish your food? If you want to take it home what take-away container do you use?

Chances are you let the restaurant give you your left-overs in a container of their choosing. And chances are that the restaurant is not using an eco-friendly container. This means that just buy taking home your leftover food you are stuck with another plastic container. It doesn’t take much to change this. Just bring a small container that you can use for leftovers. It will help the environment and it will save you money because you can eat your leftovers later.

BUY REUSABLE FOOD CONTAINERS HERE:

Food Storage Container