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Jan 31, 2024

World Ocean Day 2023: How to protect the ocean, clean the seas

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases you make through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

Today, June 8 is World Ocean Day, a day all about celebrating Earth's most precious resource, not just to humanity, but to every creature who lives in it. It takes place in the month of June, which also happens to be World Ocean Month, a celebratory time created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

While it's a time to honor the beauty and incredible resources of our oceans, World Oceans Day and Month are intended to raise awareness around their much-needed protection. Thanks to mankind's environmental impacts, from emissions-based global warming to the proliferation of plastic waste, our oceans are filled with pollution and high temperatures. Fortunately, there are ways you can help to take better care of the ocean. Here are the products you need to help our oceans this summer.

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Every year, over 14 million tons of plastic invade the ocean, disrupting wildlife in many disastrous ways. Among the most frequent of these plastic interlopers are single-use plastic bags. If you're looking to reduce the amount of plastic polluting our oceans, tell the cashier next time you shop that you won't need plastic bags thanks to this insulated, reusable grocery bag.

Plastic rings provide one of the more harrowing examples of how plastic can harm wildlife at sea. Many animals, such as turtles and seagulls, can get their heads stuck in these rings, leading to strangulation and deformities. You should always cut your plastic rings before discarding them, ensuring animals won't get hurt if they come into contact with them.

Water bottles are also a common form of plastic waste. Thus, another way to cut down on plastic in the seas is by using a reusable water bottle instead. There are many great water bottles to choose from, though the best is unquestionably the Brita BB11 Premium Filtering Water Bottle. This bottle keeps water cool for up to 24 hours and its filter keeps out odors and smells.

While you can reduce your own plastic use, there are unfortunately already tons of plastic littering our oceans and beaches. Using a trash grabber and a compostable garbage bag, you can clean up your local beach, making it a safer place for wildlife and a more beautiful place for fellow beachgoers.

You may want to think twice before you lather on sunscreen at the beach. That's because many sunscreens contain chemicals that harm our beautiful coral reefs. Fortunately, mineral sunscreens don't harm reefs and are still effective in protecting your skin from UV rays. The best mineral sunscreen we've tested is Hawaiian Tropic's Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50 thanks to its pleasant smell and light consistency.

Rainwater can contribute to problems in the ocean—particularly coral health—thanks to runoff. Whatever's on the ground, including chemicals, will be carried towards streams where it will eventually reach the ocean, poisoning creatures and reefs alike.

Using a rain barrel allows you to collect rain before it hits the ground and use it for various tasks around the house. The FCMP Outdoor RC4000 50-Gallon Heavy-Duty Outdoor Home Rain Catcher Barrel is the best rain barrel on Amazon thanks to its ease of use and large capacity.

Carbon emissions from cars contribute to global warming which negatively impacts our oceans. For example, as oceans grow warmer, coral reefs are more likely to undergo coral bleaching which makes them more susceptible to disease and injury. One way to cut back on emissions is by walking or running when you can, wearing a great walking shoe such as the Nike Motiva.

For farther eco-friendly trips, we recommend riding a bike instead of driving. Fat-tire bikes are versatile enough to ride on a variety of surfaces. For a versatile bike that can handle a variety of terrains, the best you can buy is the sturdy, beginner-friendly Mongoose Copper 18-Inch Argus ST 26.

Recycling can reduce the amount of plastic in the sea as well as reduce the carbon emissions from creating new plastic. If your municipality doesn't provide recycling bins, you can buy some online and periodically drop them off at a local recycling drop-off yourself. Rubbermaid offers sturdy recycling bins that are the perfect size for both your kitchen and your backyard.

Another way to reduce your waste is to compost. By composting, you'll cut back on the amount of trash you send to a landfill and you'll have an organic way to fertilize your plants. If you're looking to get into composting, pick up the best compost bin we've tested, the 65-gallon Redmon Compost Bin. It's large, easy to fill and easy to empty, too.

When pesticides are washed into rivers and streams by rainfall, they turn into a form of water pollution that can harm sea life. If you're managing a garden this summer, one way to mitigate your environmental impact is to use natural pesticides such as Neem Oil, which can repel insects and inhibit their feeding and growth. With over 15,800 five-star reviews, Plantonix's Neem Bliss is the best-rated Neem Oil on Amazon, with buyers raving about its effectiveness.

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