It’s World Oceans Day! A perfect day to learn more about the positive lifestyle changes you can make to help our oceans, and support the campaign work being done by OneKind to improve the lives of sea creatures. Here’s a list of some simple things you can do to help our oceans.

1. Swap out single-use plastics for more sustainable alternatives.

Plastic is non-biodegradable and not only pollutes our oceans but can end up the stomachs of sea creatures, leading to suffering and death. If current trends continue, scientists predict that 99% of seabirds will have eaten plastic by 2050.

The good news is that there are plenty of alternatives you can easily switch to – products like bamboo toothbrushes, reusable straws and bags for life can easily be found in your local sustainable shop or mainstream supermarket. Better for the ocean and better for you as they’ll last you much longer.

2. Go fish-free to support suffering sea creatures and struggling ocean ecosystems

Growing awareness of the suffering of marine animals that end up on our plates means that more people are choosing more ethical, plant-based alternatives. There are plenty of tasty vegan alternatives nowadays, whether you choose to explore the free-from aisle of your local supermarket or cook up something tasty in your own kitchen.

 

Lots of vegan restaurants offer plant-based fish too, and even some ordinary fish and chip shops! If you’re Edinburgh based (like ourselves!), Bertie’s Proper Fish and Chips, Seeds for the Soul and Harmonium all have plant-based options on their menu.

There’s so many affordable vegan fish alternatives available across UK supermarkets now – just check out the plant-based section. There are heaps of easy online recipes too – let us know if you’ve tried any!

3. Support our ongoing campaign work to improve the lives of sea creatures with our #SeaTheirSuffering t-shirt

 

Designed by award-winning local artist Sebastian Bishop, this ethically made t-shirt is a perfect way to raise awareness about the plight of sea animals. Sentient beings like octopuses and lobsters undergo considerable suffering in the restaurant trade and currently aren’t protected under Scotland’s animal welfare legislation.

But, the recent acknowledgement of these and other decapod crustaceans and cephalopods in the UK government’s Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill is a sign that our calls for change are being listened to. We’ll be keeping the pressure on the Scottish government to follow suit. More about that here.

4. Make sure your skincare is free from chemicals that can harm marine life.

The products we put on our skin are washed down the drain when we use the shower or bath, enter waterways and eventually may end up in our oceans. So, where possible, it’s a good idea to buy products that are free from toxic ingredients like parabens, sulfates and microplastics, which can cause serious harm to sea creatures and ecosystems.

If you’re looking for options, check out our chat with local business owner Rebecca Miller who runs a vegan, cruelty-free skincare company called Temple de Luna, made with natural ingredients.

Choose mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreens too, as synthetic ones contain chemicals called oxybenzone and octinoxate which are damaging to coral reefs and other marine life. Plus, you’d be looking after your own skin too! Here’s a handy list of cruelty-free, reef-safe sunscreens available on the market.

Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments if you’ve made any positive changes in your life to help save our oceans.