Use less single-use plastics

Did you that it takes plastic up to 450 years to break down in the ocean? “Only we humans make waste that nature can’t digest.” - Captain Charles Moore. According to a major study by the Pew Trusts, 11 million metric tons of plastic enters the ocean each year, and that number could triple by 2040 if nothing’s done about it. One way to help slow down the scourge of plastic waste is to cut it off at the source.

Next time you’re going to pick up lunch at that place or hawker you like, take your own reusable bowl or box with you! You will find there are a lot of reusable alternatives for single-use plastics, such as coffee cups, cutlery, straws and shopping bags. Not only will you be reducing your favourite local business’ costs, but you’ll also be acting for the ocean and setting a good example.

Grocery stores such as The Source Bulk Foods, Scoop Whole Foods, and UnPackt support zero waste by encouraging plastic free purchases, while retail outlets such as The Social Space, The Zero Ways, Eco-Le and The Green Collective are places to start your BYO-lifestyle!

Beyond the devastating effects the coronavirus has had directly on human life, conservationists have warned that the pandemic could spark a surge in ocean pollution with disposable masks, latex gloves and empty hand sanitiser bottles adding to the mix. You can do your part (and look stylish too!), by purchasing a reusable mask – just remember to wash it daily to protect yourself and your loved ones!

Reduce your carbon footprint

The ocean is at the frontline of tackling climate change. It serves as a major heat and carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide produced by our activities and the extra heat trapped by rising greenhouse gases. This results in symptoms such as coral bleaching, changes in the distribution of marine species, melting sea ice and glaciers, rising sea levels, and intensifying storm surges. You can help protect the ocean and slow climate change by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted from your daily activities – some tips include reducing air travel, eating less meat, driving less, purchasing green energy, using less electricity, consuming mindfully and shopping local.

Participate in beach or ocean cleanups

Beach, river or ocean clean ups are a great way to lend an extra hand to help reduce stress on the ocean – and you’ll make plenty of friends along the way! To participate in an organised beach or ocean clean up in Singapore, keep an eye out for events on the pages below.
International Coastal Cleanup Singapore
Little Green Men
Our Singapore Reefs
Seven Clean Seas
Trash Hero Singapore

Alternatively, organise your own beach or ocean clean up! Check out resources here and here by the Public Hygiene Council, as well as this form if you’d like to report your trash collected. If you’re a diver after marine debris, a helpful reference is Project AWARE’s Dive Against Debris® survey guide for safety tips, information about marine debris and instructions on how to conduct a marine debris survey.

Leave nothing but footsteps

Although you might not be able to see the ocean from where you are, litter is often picked up by the rain and carried through drains, choking rivers and accumulating in the beautiful ocean. No matter where you are, be sure not to leave any rubbish behind: a used plastic wrapper for us, can be a death trap for a turtle or other wildlife.

Be a responsible explorer

Are you planning a day at the beach... or maybe exploring wildlife in a kayak is more your style? Try your best not to touch, remove or displace corals, rocks, shells or marine life, and avoid purchasing souvenirs made from shells, corals, sharks, tortoiseshell or other ocean dwellers.

If you want to get up close and personal with some of the amazing fish and marine life in the ocean, look for a reputable tour company that employs sustainable practices or opt for an environmentally friendly dive shop (PADI Travel’s Eco Travel tab is a good starting point).

Do you need a new travel bag, sunglasses or swim wear for your water adventure? Look into buying upcycled items or borrow something from a friend!

If you have to fly to your destination, consider offsetting your carbon emissions, which can usually be done directly with your airline or through a third party.

Learn about ocean and marine life

How much do you really know about the ocean? Did you know it makes up 71% of the planet, stores carbon dioxide, and produces oxygen? Educating yourself about the ocean will help you become a better advocate for it! Check out our Coastal Natives approved teaching resources and documentaries.

Avoid unsustainable seafood

Overfishing and loss of habitat continue to deplete fish populations globally. A devastating 90% of fish stocks globally are fully exploited, overexploited or depleted. If purchasing fish, look for options that have been line-caught or sustainably farmed. To help consumers make informed choices about seafood, WWF-Singapore launched the Singapore Seafood Guide.

An estimated 100 million sharks are caught each year. Avoid consuming shark products, including dishes such as shark fin soup, which put endangered shark species at risk of further extinction. To learn more about the global shark trade, click here. A 2018 study on local shark and ray tissue samples found at local grocery stores, wholesale markets, wet markets and traditional medicine shops can be found here.

Be an ambassador

Anyone can be an ambassador for the voiceless ocean! Divers, surfers, kayakers, sailors and many who spend time in and around the ocean will tell you the ocean is worth protecting – but you don’t have to be in the water to see how beautiful and vulnerable the ocean is.

Ambassadors lead by example, raise awareness and educate the people around them. Whichever you feel most comfortable doing, go for it! And if you are interested in learning how you can contribute to science-based research, check out our article about citizen science here!

Find an accountability buddy

A lot of things are more fun doing together, so why not help protect the ocean with friends? Forward this list to a family member, friend or colleague and see how you can adapt your habits to be more ocean-friendly. Together, we can!

Remember, every little action makes a difference

Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed and helpless by how big the problems faced by the ocean and our planet seem… but always remember you aren’t alone! Coastal Natives is a community of ocean advocates working together and supporting one another. Don’t beat yourself up for what you can’t do and try to remain positive. We think the ocean would be pretty happy about your efforts, and you should be too. Every step you take is a step in the right direction!