Protecting the oceans: how to save the planet?

Why is ocean protection important?

Before being spaces coveted by humans to establish activities such as maritime transport, fishing, or even tourist cruises, the seas and oceans are above all the living places of an immense variety of species. Also, their protection is of crucial importance for preserve marine biodiversity.

Moreover, life on earth would simply not exist without marine areas, which contribute to maintaining the planet's climatic balance. Precipitation, winds and currents, the oxygen we breathe, are all elements that depend on the seas and oceans.

They also play a role of natural carbon sinks, capturing a considerable amount of carbon dioxide.

What is the impact of textile production on the oceans?

Fast fashion, and today theultra fast fashion, have multiplied the ecological impact linked to the production of textiles which requires large quantities of water, and the use of chemical products, such as dyes, of the bleaching agents and dyesThese substances, often released into the environment, contaminate waterways, pollute the oceans, and disrupt the stability of ocean ecosystems.

In addition, microplastics and plastic fibres from clothing and fashion accessories, through washing and wear, end up in the water, then end up in the seas and oceans.

Leather tanning also generally requires the use of toxic products such as chromium VI, which in addition to harming the health of the artisans, are often dumped into nature, pass through waterways, and end up in the oceans.

When produced in a framework that respects environmental standards, vegan alternatives are more ecological, by reducing the consumption and release of polluting agents.

Find here our article on vegan faux leathers.

What small actions can we take to protect the oceans?

Let's not minimize the ecological virtues of organic food, since this limits the use of pesticides, fertilizers, fuels and other chemicals, which are absorbed into the soil and pollute waterways.

Support environmental associations such as the now famous Sea Shepherd, but also 7th Continent Expedition, Tara Expeditions, Surfrider Foundation Europe, or even Project Rescue Ocean, is another effective way to participate in the preservation of the oceans and marine species.

Participate in waste collection in the great outdoors or on the coasts, alone or by joining an association such as CleanWalk, helps preserve the coasts and prevents plastic waste from ending up offshore or dispersing into micro particles.

Reducing your carbon impact to protect the oceans.

Travel in an eco-responsible way, and participate in reducing the number of motorized vehicles in circulation by using public transport, carpooling, or better, walking and cycling, allows us to to lower the carbon footprint of fossil fuels, which reduces the acidification of the world's seas and oceans.

Favor a plant-based diet over a meat-based diet, and consume fewer animals from intensive farming and fishing, reduce the pollution and emissions they generate, while protecting individuals and marine species.

The object that does not pollute is the one that is neither purchased nor produced..

Limiting your consumption means reducing the carbon emissions linked to their production, and preventing those that are produced from ending up in the water when they are no longer useful. This is even more true for single-use plastic objects if we want to avoid environmental disasters such as the so-called “seventh continent” which covers the area of ​​a third of the European continent.

Finally, discuss environmental issues with those around you related to ocean protection will always remain the best way to advance this cause and raise awareness of the fragility and need to preserve these ecosystems.