How to get involved for World Oceans Day

Everyday we are faced with new stories about the plastic crisis that is happening in our oceans.

Whether it’s whales dying with plastic in their stomachs, or countries banning plastic straws, the crisis is constantly headline news. The strong media focus means that more people are aware of the crisis, and more people are looking at how they can help. After all, the world’s oceans provide us with so many benefits, it’s absolutely essential that we do our part to protect them.

World Oceans Day, a global celebration of our oceans, is coming up on June 8th. Here are five ways you could get involved if you’d like to create an impact:

Join a World Oceans Day event

There are events all over the world to celebrate World Oceans Day, including film screenings, educational panels, and ocean clean-ups. If you’d like to attend an Oceans Day event, then you can use this event finder to find an event near you!

Visit a local aquarium

Many aquariums do great work conserving sea life, and educating people on the wonders of the oceans. Visit your local aquarium to learn more about the importance of the oceans, and how you can protect them.

Avoid single-use plastics

Single-use plastics are one of the biggest threats to our oceans today. According to Plastic Oceans, more than 8 million tons of plastic are dumped in our oceans every year. This is incredibly damaging to marine mammals and sea birds, as they can ingest plastic or get tangled in it. You could use World Oceans Day to invest in cutting down your single-use plastic consumption by buying reusable water bottles, coffee cups and grocery bags.

Take part in a beach clean up

Take action at a beach near you, by joining or leading a shoreline clean-up. Spend a few hours picking up trash to prevent more waste entering the ocean, plus you’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment at the end!

Give to an ocean conservation charity

There are a number of wildlife and ocean conservation charities in Canada that work tirelessly to protect the environment. Why not consider making a donation to one for Oceans Day? Charitable Impact is an online giving platform that helps you create the change you’d like to see in the world. When you sign up for a free Impact Account, you can easily give to any registered charity in Canada all from one place!

How will you be getting involved for World Ocean Day? We’d love to hear about how you are having an impact! Get in touch at @wearechimp.