Sustainable Steps
Interesting Ocean Facts
Oceans cover more than 70% of the earth’s surface. While there is one global ocean, we segment it into four separate ocean basins: Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic, and Indian.
94% of life on earth lives in the ocean.
The majority of earth’s oxygen comes from the ocean. Of the four oceans, the Pacific Ocean is the largest. It is roughly 63.8 million square miles and contains 25,000 islands. Which island in the Pacific is your favorite?
One of the most interesting and our favorite, the Great Barrier Reef can be seen from the moon.
The Danger Facing Oceans
There are some grim facts facing us about our oceans and their future.
Sadly, trash, debris, and other pollutants fill the oceans. Over the last five years, the amount of pollution has increased by 23% and continues to grow. Not only is water and land quality affected, but over 817 species of animals face the dangers of pollution.
What is harming our oceans?
A lack of awareness along with carelessness is the number one problem our oceans face. In addition, litter, sewage, underwater mining, shipping, toxic chemicals, and agricultural runoff, are the daily things that put these dangerous pollutants into the waters that affect plants and animals.
How does pollution harm?
The more chemicals and debris that seep into the water, the more quickly it depletes oxygen levels. This has devastating effects on plants and animals. It also causes a slowdown in reproduction and disrupts the natural cycles of coral reef.
Keeping Our Oceans Safe
While it may seem impossible to stop everything harming our waters, it is as simple as being conscious of your everyday choices. Properly disposing of your trash is the easiest way to help keep the oceans clean. Each pair of SUAVS shoes is made using eight recycled bottles of post-consumer plastic saving those bottles from filling up our oceans and landfills!
Other ways you can help include:
- Choose products with less packaging.
- Cut the plastic rings on soda and beer can packaging.
- Use recyclable shopping bags.
- Pick up litter.
Written by: Danielle Shulman
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