How to Protect Oceans From Water Pollution

The oceans appear beautiful, pristine, unchanging. But beneath the surface are untold problems caused by man: dying fish, dangerous bacteria and huge dead zones. Pollution of our world's oceans should be everyone's concern, but what can we do about it? We can work together to eliminate the problems that cause ocean pollution. Here's how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Devote an afternoon to picking up trash instead of stepping over it. If every vacationer would clean up after themselves and take ownership of cleaning up an area of the beach, our beaches would be a lot cleaner and safer. Plus, others will see you doing it and catch on.
2. Correct leaks in any engine you own, including cars and boats. A tiny oil leak from your car can wind up in the ocean as rains wash the runoff into the water. Collectively, oil leaks and other small problems prove disastrous for our oceans and the creatures that inhabit them.
3. Recycle motor oil and other household chemicals properly. Contact your local waste management board for more information.
4. Lobby the cruise ship industry to stop dumping waste in the ocean. Go online (see Resources below) for a list of cruise lines that have a history of defying environmental regulations, as well as cruise lines that do have proper waste treatment facilities. Report any illegal dumping you may see while on a cruise to Oceana at 1-877-7-OCEANA.
5. Be green whenever and wherever possible. Think twice about adding pesticides and chemicals to your lawn or garden. If you choose to apply chemicals, plan your application during a dry spell so the chemicals aren't washed away.
6. Remember that what goes down your sink or storm drains will end up in the waterways eventually. Make sure septic systems are functioning properly as well.
7. Support legislation that protects our oceans. Contact your congressperson and senator and express your concern.

Tips & Warnings

• Always cut up the plastic pop rings that come with six packs before you throw them in the trash. The rings can be a hazard to sea life.
• Check out the water quality of your favorite beach at the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) website.