Go Green: Protecting Fish and Ocean Wildlife from Pollution

In today's modern, industrialized world, people have become a greater threat to our oceans, rainforests, and other natural habitats more than ever before. Pollution, waste, garbage, overdevelopment, and other issues have become a real issue for our environment. As inhabitants of the Earth, we can all do our part to help make sure we live in a cleaner world for ourselves, the animals, and the next generation. There are things everyone can do to help lessen the impact we have on the planet and make it better for everyone.

Protecting Our Oceans

Fish and other marine life are very vulnerable to pollution, waste runoff, and other serious problems that threaten their habitat. What many people do not realize is that dumping things like paint, medications, and other chemicals into a drain or outside can actually get into runoff that goes directly into streams and rivers. These chemicals are hazardous to fish and marine plants. Disposing of all chemicals in a responsible manner can reduce this threat. Trash left on the beach can also be dangerous. Animals like turtles see plastic as potential prey and it can cause them to suffocate or choke. Be sure to pick up all trash when you're visiting the shore. Ask local seafood restaurants if they only serve sustainable fish. Be sure to minimize the use of motorized boats and choose to kayak or canoe instead when you can. All of these small changes can make a difference in the health of our oceans.

Taking Care of Wildlife

Forest fires are a major concern for wildlife. Careless campfires and cigarette butts are two of the leading causes of wildfires. When you're camping, be sure to put the fire completely out, and dump water on it until it is out before leaving it behind. Never throw a lit cigarette out of a car window or on the ground. These small conscious decisions can save both trees and animals that live in our forests. We can also leave behind a cleaner world by making sure trash that can be recycled goes to a local recycling center. Using more eco-friendly, biodegradable products can also help. We can also use safer herbicides and pesticides so that animals are not harmed by them. Invasive species can also affect the safety of many animals. You can help by planting native plants that will provide a food source for the animals that live in your area. Join a conservation organization that can help teach you how to make sure we leave a cleaner world for all who inhabit it.

Reducing Pollution and Waste

There are many things we can do to help reduce the effects of pollution as well as lessen our carbon footprint. Use a hybrid car that needs less gasoline. Carpool with coworkers or bike or take walks whenever you can to avoid excess driving. Even conserving water can help. Take shorter showers and turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth. Do not use products that contribute to the destruction of our ozone layer. Help clean up trash that can be found along our beach shores and waterways. Make sure you recycle items as much as possible. You can even start a recycling drive in your local community if they do not provide recycling already. Make a compost pile at home that can fertilize plants and reduce the amount of waste you create for the landfill. This will help the planet and the environment in more ways than one. All of these steps can dramatically reduce the harmful impact that we have on the environment, and can contribute to a cleaner planet not just for fish and wildlife, but for humans as well.