Why do we celebrate World Environmental and Ocean days?
Why do we celebrate World Environmental and Ocean days?
World Environmental and Ocean Days are internationally celebrated events that raise awareness and promote environmental conservation. Eco-conscious individuals, organizations, and communities across the world come together to reaffirm their commitment to protecting the planet these days. These annual celebrations, falling on June 5th and June 8th respectively, remind us of the urgent need to protect our planet’s declining ecosystems and precious resources. This year you can get involved by doing the little things such as preventing litter, reducing waste, shopping sustainably, and lending your voice to the cause by educating family and friends.
On one hand, World Environmental Day was established by the United Nations in 1974, to address challenges such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. It serves to remind us as individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to make real commitments and take actionable steps toward leading more sustainable lives.
On the other hand, World Ocean Day was declared by the United Nations in 2008 to raise awareness of the vital role oceans play in sustaining life on our planet Earth. Some issues facing our oceans include plastic pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change. The day reminds us of the relationship between human activity and the overall health of the ocean. Collective and decisive action is important if we want to preserve marine ecosystems.
What can we do to contribute or make a change?
As members of a global village, we can each play a role in protecting the environment and oceans for future generations. Here are some ways we can contribute to positive change:
1. Choose Sustainable Beauty Products:
Opt for beauty brands that prioritize sustainability, using ethically sourced ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and transparent manufacturing practices. Look for certifications like cruelty-free, organic, and fair trade to ensure your purchases align with environmental values.
2. Reduce Plastic Waste:
On the road to eliminating single-use plastics, we can start by investing in reusable alternatives such as refillable containers, bamboo toothbrushes, and stainless steel razors. Additionally, we support initiatives to reduce plastic pollution in oceans by participating in beach clean-ups or advocating for plastic-free policies in your community.
Shop sustainable dental care on the CLC website here
3. Conserve Water
You can conserve water by taking shorter showers, turning off taps when not in use, and using water-efficient appliances. Be mindful of water-intensive products and processes, opting for eco-friendly alternatives whenever possible, for example reusing water to water your garden instead of fresh water.
4. Support Ocean Conservation Efforts
Donate to organizations dedicated to ocean conservation and marine protection, such as the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation marine reserves, coral reef restoration projects, and marine mammal sanctuaries. Get involved in local organizations such as Good Hope Volunteers can make a real change for the future of South Africa’s beautiful coastline and at the same time enjoy seeing whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds in their natural habitat.
5. Educate and Advocate:
Raise awareness about environmental and ocean issues by sharing information with friends, family, and social networks. Advocate for policies that promote sustainable practices, such as renewable energy development, waste reduction measures, and marine conservation initiatives.
By embracing sustainability in our beauty and lifestyle choices, we can contribute to making a positive impact on the environment and oceans. We can use World Environmental and Ocean Day to reflect on our personal relationships with the planet and make some commitments to collective action for a healthier, more sustainable future. Together, we can be agents of change in creating a world where beauty coexists harmoniously with nature.
Shop all your sustainable home decor, lifestyle, beauty, and fashion products on the Conscious Lifestyle Collective Marketplace online and at The Old Biscuit Mill on Saturdays and Sundays.
Resources:
https://www.dffe.gov.za/world-oceans-day
https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares/press-releases/world-environment-day-and-world-oceans-day/
https://www.aquarium.co.za/foundation
https://www.goodhopevolunteers.com/nc/volunteer-projects/detail/name/a/b/ocean-conservation/
