World Oceans Day 2015 is on June 8 and we’d like to challenge everyone this weekend to shop with the oceans in mind.
Often, there isn’t enough time to stop and really think about what you’re buying when you’re rushing through the supermarket on a busy day. But, before dipping into your wallet, we’d like to encourage you to take just a little time out to read labels and research what makes up those detergents and soaps that are part of our daily lives.
Some detergents and soaps are labelled bio-degradable. Some plastics are recyclable. Some toothpaste contains less micro plastic beads than others.Some products are produced using pesticides are more harmful than others. It’s the friendly ones that should make their way into your trolley.
When you do go shopping, try to remember to take your own shopping bag and say “NO” to single use plastic bags. When choosing fresh seafood, select from the SASSI green list or, when buying frozen seafood, look for the MSC blue label. Don’t forget – say no to straws and single use polystyrene containers.
All South Africans are connected to the ocean! This country has a coastline of about 3 500 km and extends 200 nautical miles offshore. Most of the population lives on the coastal plain and / or in the catchments of rivers that wind their way down to the sea.
Given the spectacular variety of plants, animals, ecosystems and a total of 136 different habitat types that make up the South African coasts and seas, this is cause for celebration. It’s also a good reason for every one of us to spend time to find out just how we can make the right choices.
Remember, healthy oceans ensure healthy people.