5 simple steps to save our seas…

World Oceans Day takes place every year on 8th June. Our seas are in trouble, so this year we are sharing 5 simple swaps for anyone who wants to protect our precious ocean habitats.

1. Ditch the plastic by coming prepared
   
   From plastic bags to disposable plastic cutlery, there are so many instances in day to day life where a bit of careful planning can reduce your reliance on single use plastics.
   
   Keeping a reusable bag (whether that be a Bag for Life, an old plastic bag or even a reusable produce bag) in the back of your car and in your handbag can be a lifesaver at the check out of your local shop. The same goes for your reusable coffee mug in the queue at Starbucks – even small swaps add up to make a big difference.
   
   Once you’ve started with the basics, why not look into carrying a Tupperware box with some reusable straws as well as knives, forks and spoons? Disposable cutlery can take many decades to break down, so having a reusable set to hand can be just the ticket to reducing your single use plastic consumption.
   
   
2. Use an eco-egg on lighter loads
   
   Eco-eggs first hit the market a few years ago, and since then they have become a popular option for eco-conscious households to reduce their plastic footprint.
   
   You might already be aware that most mainstream washing powders and liquids contain microplastics, such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), the same beads banned in UK cosmetics. Yet the ban does not include washing detergent, despite their use putting the same plastics into our waterways.
   
   There are lots of ways to make this process more environmentally friendly, including placing an eco-egg in the drum of your machine instead of your normal washing detergent. The recyclable egg lasts for 70 washes, and contains two types of natural mineral pellets to replace both detergent and fabric softener. The mineral pellets work together in the water to draw out dirt from the fibres of your clothing.
   
   While these eggs are not the most suitable solution for highly soiled items, such as your muddiest sports gear, it is certainly a product that could be used on lighter loads or on your dog’s favourite toys.
   
   
   
   
3. The good old bar of soap
   
   Nowadays when you go to buy a new shampoo or bodywash, you’re bombarded with new products and brands, yet the vast majority of shower products are still sold in plastic packaging.
   
   If you’re not too attached to your current shampoo, conditioner and body washing products, it might be time to consider a change.
   
   The number of zero-waste options are growing, with bars of soap now being sold in cardboard packaging to reduce waste, as well as Lush’s range of shampoo and conditioner bars which are sold without packaging altogether.
   
   
4. Avoid unnecessary wrappers
   
   Lately it seems like almost everything you buy is wrapped in plastic. Many food items come wrapped or bagged in plastic, and most of it cannot be recycled. Equally worrying, this National Geographic study found that the average person eats thousands of plastic particles each year.
   
   But cutting your plastic waste can be as easy as choosing different products in the supermarket. Glass and aluminium packaging as safer options for both you and the oceans. You might also consider preparing more food in bulk, and choose to can or freeze the food you make, as opposed to buying pre-packaged snacks that can often come individually wrapped.
   
   
5. Pick up responsibly
   
   A huge part of responsible ownership means picking up after our dogs, and at the beach is no exception.
   
   But did you know, when your dog goes for a number 2, their faeces will decompose in around 7 days, yet it will sit in the plastic bag for the next 1000 years?
   
   Thankfully, there are lots of brands selling dog poo bags that are naturally biodegradable, and can be 100% broken down in a matter of months. This means your dog’s waste isn’t sat in landfill inside a non-compostable bag, risking ending up in waterways and damaging ocean habitats.

Making a change to your lifestyle or habits doesn’t need to happen overnight. Start by making simple swaps, as even the smallest change can make a big impact.

What do you do to protect our oceans? Let us know!