Save the Fish, Save the World!
By: Ginger | October 03, 2008 | Category: General
Some of the most exhilarating moments in my life have been in our world’s oceans. While snorkeling off Honduras, I watched a huge whale shark swimming in the distance below. As it began to surface directly towards me, I thought of the times I’d practiced speaking whale (like Dory in “Finding Nemo”) in the shower. I said, “Goooo baaaack whaaaale, don’t huuurt meeee”. I must be pretty fluent, because the whale shark gently avoided me. While scuba diving in Turks and Caicos, eight eagle rays swam by us in formation, turning in unison like a squadron of jets at an air show. Diving from a safety cage off the coast of Australia, I watched 20-25 sharks in an incredible feeding frenzy.
These experiences have given me an appreciation for our oceans and the diverse life they sustain. Global warming and the impacts of pollution on our oceans worry me, but it gives me hope to know that there are organizations studying and trying to protect our oceans.
Recently, two EPA staff members joined environmental scientists and the crew of EPA’s Ocean Survey Vessel (OSV) Bold to document science and research in action. Read their blog posts to get an in-depth look at what’s involved in protecting our waters.
The Ocean Observing System, is a network of people and technology from various federal, regional, and state organizations that work together to generate and distribute data on the nation's coastal waters, Great Lakes and oceans.
The NOAA is not only responsible for daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings and climate monitoring, but they are also responsible for fisheries management, coastal monitoring and supporting aquaculture.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a Coastal Program that provides incentives for voluntary protection of threatened, endangered and other species on private and public lands alike.
How can you help? Check out Fish Watch when buying fish to find out which fish populations are listed as sustainable. You can also follow these suggestions to help protect coral reefs. If you are considering a conservation career, check out Careers: Conserving the Nature of America.
So, do you think we are doing enough to keep our oceans viable and to prevent environmental disaster?
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Kermit the frog said it the best when he coined the phrase "it ain't easy being green". This is the way most Americans think when they attempt an earth friendly lifestyle. Being green in today's world and economy can be difficult and it can cost a little more but in the end it pays off in ways that really matter. Green living can mean changing many things. In America green living encompasses helping the community, environment, wildlife, and the planet in general. Some countries have taken much further action then the US but slowly and surely Americans are taking actions that are making a difference.
Green living will save many generations to come from global warming and economic strife. The importance of green home living has become a front burner issue recently. With the ever increasing cost of fuel the search for renewable resources is becoming more and more important. Americans who once lacked concern over the environment are now expressing interest in green home living. It seems every where you turn there are signs of people making changes so that they too can experience green home living.
There are many ways people can implement green living into there lives without it being a complex transition. Many people fear green living because of cost. While it can add a few more dollars to your budget in some areas it will pay off when you are using healthier products for the earth and yourself. Green living is healthier and happier for you, your family and the global community.
Many of the classic life lessons that are taught in school like recycling and not littering are some of the basic principles of green living. Small changes can make a huge difference in the battle to save our planet. If every individual made small changes for the greater good all of those small changes would equal a larger change on a grander scale.
Little plastic grocery bags are a big burden on our planet. Places like Rwanda, Bangladesh, Ireland, and even the American city of San Francisco have completely banned plastic bags all together. So, proactively using reusable shopping bags puts you ahead of the game. When you buy bottles (glass, plastic, etc.) and other containers check for the number on the bottom and make sure that they are recyclable so you aren't contributing to more worldwide waste.
Additionally, products made from post consumer waste are much better for the earth and contribute to green living.
Green living can also be seen in ways you may not have thought. When most people are done with toys, clothes, furniture and other household items they throw them in the trash or put them on the side of the road. There is a more green way to get rid of your used belongings. Bring your used items to Goodwill or donate them to another charity. This not only prevents these items from taking up space in a landfill, but it helps members of your community who are less fortunate than yourself.
Green living also includes turning off lights in the bedrooms, bathrooms and other places in your house that are not in use. Saving energy in other ways by turning off the TV and other appliances when you are not using them. Water is another valuable resource that we take for granted. We don't have an unlimited amount of it. Turning off the water for the two minutes you are brushing your teeth will save gallons of water. Taking showers instead of bathes will save even more gallons of water especially if you install a water saving shower head. Saving water is a big part of your green home living commitment.
Small things will contribute to your green living experience and require less effort than one would think. Everyone should have the desire to reduce their carbon footprint, but unfortunately that is not the case. That is why it is even more essential for those who do care about green living to make the changes they can to make a difference and live greeen.
www.usgreenliving.com/
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http://www.wiserearth.org/aof/52
is one that might be interesting, from there you can meet people and groups related to this area of focus. Also, take a look at the Earth Charter group:
http://www.wiserearth.org/group/earthcharter
This is a really important document that encourages participation by average people to petition government to take environmental action. Join us!
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