Ready to take action for the ocean?
You don’t need to be an expert or live near the ocean to make a difference. Every small action adds up, and this is your space to start.
This guide is a top-level look at how our everyday decisions affect the ocean, with practical actions you can take wherever you are. Choose what speaks to you and come back for more inspiration:
Plastics Pollution
Plastic is everywhere. It’s cheap, versatile, and convenient — but it takes centuries to decompose. In the meantime, it breaks into microplastics that pollute waterways, poison marine life, and enter our food chain, all while being made from fossil fuels that drive climate change. IUCN
The presence of plastic in our ocean is continually increasing. Even if you live hundreds of miles from the coast, the plastic you throw away could make its way into the sea. The good news? You have more power than you think. Small swaps and smarter choices can have a big impact.
Key actions you can take:
1
Say no to single-use plastics
Single-use plastics like bags, straws, cutlery, and sachets are used for just minutes but can pollute the planet for centuries, making up over 50% of ocean plastic pollution. Carry a reusable bag, bottle, and cutlery set with you, and politely refuse plastic straws or sachets when offered.
Source:
UN Environment Programme2
Choose products with minimal or no plastic packaging
A third of all plastic waste comes from packaging, and most of it is non-recyclable. Choose products with minimal or no plastic packaging by shopping at refill stores or markets, and opt for alternatives like paper-wrapped products instead.
Source:
WWF3
Embrace reusable and refillable options
Refillable systems - from shampoo stations to reusable coffee cups - help cut plastic waste and often save money. Try bringing your own containers for takeaway or using refill shops for household essentials.
Source:
Ellen MacArthur Foundation4
Join or organise clean-ups
Participating in local beach, park, or river clean-ups keeps plastic out of waterways and builds community spirit. Even a small group can make a visible impact.
Source:
Ocean Conservancy5
Avoid microplastics in everyday products
Microplastics are polluting oceans and entering our food, water, and even our bodies. Steer clear of products with plastic like glitter, exfoliating beads, and use laundry filters or wash bags to catch microfibres from synthetic clothes.
Source:
IUCN6
Talk about it and influence others
Your voice has more power than you think. Talk to family or friends about the impacts of plastic pollution, and share your efforts to reduce plastic. Whether in conversation or on social media, you can inspire others to do the same.
Source:
NRDC7
Choose cloths made with natural fibres
Washing synthetic clothes releases tiny plastic fibres that make up 35% of ocean microplastic pollution. Choose clothes made from cotton, linen, or bamboo, and wash less often, using cold water and air drying when you can.
8
Refuse plastic at takeaway and street food vendors
Takeaway and street food packaging, especially sachets and foam containers, often ends up in rivers and drains that lead to the ocean. Bring your own container and cutlery when eating on the go to cut down on this hard-to-manage waste.
Source:
UNEP9
Support waste pickers and community recyclers
In many parts of the world, informal waste pickers recover up to 60% of recyclables. Yet they often remain marginalised and underpaid. Support cooperatives that employ waste pickers, and separate your waste so that they or the waste management companies can recover clean plastic more easily.
Source:
WIEGO10
Push for systemic change
Most plastic pollution is driven by a handful of big brands. Your voice matters - sign petitions, email companies, and vote for policies that reduce plastic at the source. Lobby for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies in your region to ensure producers take responsibility for plastic waste.
Source:
Break Free From PlasticFood Choices
Our food choices ripple out far beyond our plates, shaping the health of our oceans. Every meal is a chance to turn the tide — for marine life, for the planet, and for ourselves.Industrial agriculture pollutes rivers and seas.
Industrial fishing strips life from our oceans. But by choosing more seasonal, plant-based and locally sourced foods, we can protect marine ecosystems and build stronger communities.
Key actions you can take:
Industrial fishing strips life from our oceans. But by choosing more seasonal, plant-based and locally sourced foods, we can protect marine ecosystems and build stronger communities.
Key actions you can take:
1
Eat less red meat
Raising livestock on an industrial scale is one of the biggest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions, polluted waterways, and deforestation - all of which impact the ocean through climate change and chemical runoff. Try adding more legumes, vegetables and grains to your meals and aim for at least one or two meat-free days a week.
Source:
Our World in Data2
Reduce food waste
Wasting food means wasting all the land, water, and energy it took to produce it - while also contributing to methane emissions and agricultural runoff that harm ocean ecosystems. Plan your meals, store food wisely, use up leftovers creatively, and compost when possible to keep organic waste out of landfills and waterways.
Source:
UNEP3
Choose sustainable seafood
Nearly 90% of global fish stocks are overexploited or depleted, threatening marine biodiversity and food security. Ask where and how your seafood was caught, and opt for local, seasonal or sustainably certified fish and other seafood whenever possible.
Source:
FAO4
Support local and seasonal produce
Transporting food over long distances emits greenhouse gases and consumes resources. Local food systems tend to be more sustainable and resilient. Buy from farmers' markets or direct from producers, and try building your meals around what's fresh and in season in your region.
Source:
NRDC5
Grow your own food
Home and community gardening reduces demand for resource-intensive agriculture, avoids packaging, and lowers your carbon and chemical footprint.
Source:
FAO6
Eat lower on the food chain
Plant-based diets use fewer natural resources and reduce agricultural pollution, helping to protect water sources and marine ecosystems.
Source:
Our World in Data7
Avoid overpackaged foods
Many foods are often wrapped in single-use plastics and travel through long, polluting supply chains. Choose unpackaged or minimally packaged staples and shop with your own containers when you can - especially at local or bulk retailers.
Source:
UNEP8
Diversify your seafood choices
Most global seafood demand focuses on just a few species, driving overfishing while other sustainable options are overlooked. Talk to fishmongers or local fishers about lesser-known species that are abundant and sustainably caught in your region.
Source:
The Guardian9
Choose organic or low-input produce
Pesticides and fertilisers from intensive farming wash into rivers and seas, causing pollution and dead zones in marine environments. Where possible, choose organic, traditionally grown or agroecological food that avoids heavy chemical inputs and supports healthy soils.
Source:
UNEP10
Educate yourself on sustainable diets
Understanding the impact of our food choices is the first step toward protecting the ocean. Learn about the links between food and ocean health, and start conversations with friends, families or communities to spark change.
Source:
NRDCEnergy & Transport
From what fuels our homes to how we get around, our daily energy and transport choices have a huge impact on our carbon footprint — and ultimately, on the health of our oceans and planet.
Our Earth is heating up, affecting ecosystems everywhere. Together, we can take steps now and plan for a cleaner, cooler tomorrow.
Key actions you can take:
Our Earth is heating up, affecting ecosystems everywhere. Together, we can take steps now and plan for a cleaner, cooler tomorrow.
Key actions you can take:
1
Use public transportation
Transportation causes about 24% of global CO₂‚ emissions. Taking buses, trains, or shared rides cuts down on emissions.
Source:
United Nations2
Switch off lights and appliances when not in use
Standby power can be up to 10% of household energy use. Turning off unused devices conserves energy and reduces emissions. Unplug electronics or use power strips to completely shut off devices when they're not in use.
Source:
International Energy Agency3
Walk or bike for short trips
Short car trips contribute significantly to urban emissions. Walking or cycling reduces emissions while promiting personal health. For nearby destinations, choose to walk or cycle instead of driving.
Source:
United Nations4
Cook with clean, efficient stoves
Traditional cooking fuels cause indoor pollution and deforestation. Clean cookstoves reduce fuel use and emissions by up to 60%. Switch to LPG, electric, or solar cookstoves where possible.
Source:
Clean Cooking Alliance5
Switch to renewable energy
Renewables like wind and solar produce minimal greenhouse gases and are often the cheapest energy option. If available, choose a renewable energy provider or consider installing solar panels.
Source:
United Nations6
Choose efficient appliances and lighting
Energy-efficient appliances and LED bulbs cut household energy use and emissions significantly. Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models and switch to LED bulbs.
Source:
United Nations7
Avoid air travel where possible
Aviation contributes roughly 2.5% of global carbon emissions. Opt for alternative modes of transportation like trains or buses, and consider virtual meetings instead of flying.
Source:
BBC Future8
Switch to an electric or fuel-efficient vehicle
Electric vehicles (EVs) produce fewer emissions over their lifetime compared to conventional vehicles, especially when powered by renewable energy. When purchasing a new vehicle, consider an EV or a highly fuel-efficient model.
Source:
United Nations9
Dry clothes in the sun
Tumble dryers consume lots of energy. Sun-drying uses none and reduces emissions. Hang your clothes outside to dry naturally whenever possible.
Source:
United Nations10
Speak up for clean transport and energy
Supporting policies for renewables and sustainable transport drives larger change beyond individual actions. Advocate for greener energy and transport in your community.
Source:
United NationsIndividual actions matter — but we’re stronger together.
Explore how to support organisations and ocean protectors already making waves.