Many big cities across the world are based along the coast. The increase in human activity can disrupt the sensitive ecosystem of the coastal environment. There are many things you can do to protect the beaches along the coastal areas.
1. Join The Fight Against Plastic Pollution
If your coastal region has not already passed a law banning or placing a fee on single-use plastic bags at retail stores, you can act yourself by encouraging others to avoid the use of single-use plastic bags. You can also start a petition to encourage authorities to pass legislation that bans plastics that are harmful to the environment.
2. Choose Ocean-Friendly Sunscreens
Research suggests that more than 12,000 tons of sunscreen enter our oceans each year. Some sunscreen products contain harmful chemicals that cannot even be removed at water treatment facilities. This implies that our sunscreen products containing chemicals like oxybenzone end up in rivers and the ocean. This has a devastating effect on marine life.
3. Start Your Own Beach Clean-Up Programme
Whether you decide to do it yourself or with a group of friends, take a few bags and take a walk on the beach, picking up the trash and plastics you see along the waterline of the beach. You can raise awareness about keeping the beach clean by sharing the project with others on social media. This might encourage others to keep beaches clean.
4. Avoid Taking Single-Use Items To The Beach
When you plan on eating or drinking at the beach, try to ditch single-use items such as straws, cups, and utensils. Challenge yourself to bring your own reusable packaging or utensils along to the beach. You can also pack additional reusables to see if you can go through the whole day without producing waste.
5. Contribute To Initiatives That Protect Coastal Regions
There are hundreds of marine-friendly organisations and initiatives out there that try to do their part in conserving and protecting our ocean and coastal areas. You can easily contribute by joining in on the fight. Contact a relevant organisation like the Australian Marine Conservation Society to find out how you can help.
Learn why it is crucial to protect and conserve our oceans and coastal regions by following the latest articles on this platform.