Are you living blue? Next Monday, June 8, is World Oceans Day - a day set aside to raise awareness about the importance of oceans. Why celebrate oceans? Well, for starters, they generate most of our oxygen, they feed us, they clean our water, they help regulate the world's climate, and they act as a source for current and future pharmaceutical medicines. They are also in trouble.
Climate change is already linked to the killing of coral reefs, and destructive fishing practices have caused a dramatic decline in many types of the fish we depend on for food. Pollution is also taking its toll on the world's oceans as evidenced by the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
So what can you do to celebrate World Oceans Day and help protect our oceans? The Ocean Project is asking folks to "Wear Blue-Tell Two," to mark the day. They want people around the world to wear blue, and let people know why by telling folks two things they likely don't know about our oceans and how they can help. Here are a few ideas:
- The oceans cover about 140 million square miles, or nearly 71 percent of the Earth's surface.
- The top 10 feet of the ocean hold as much heat as our entire atmosphere.
- Oceans absorb between 30 percent and 50 percent of the carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels.
- Atlantic sea water is heavier than Pacific sea water because it has a higher salt content.
- Choosing seafood that is abundant in supply and sustainably harvested can help protect the world's oceans. (Download a guide to sustainable seafood here.)
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Don't have anything to wear? I'm giving away a super-soft "Live Blue" organic tee from The New England Aquarium, to help you wear your passion for the big blue on your sleeves. While you're at their site, be sure to check out the NEAq Insider link to get a virtual tour of the aquarium and learn even more about the marine environment. To win the T-shirt, simply leave a comment below about what you plan to do to celebrate World Oceans Day. One winner will be chosen at random on June 8.
