The oceans cover over 70% of the world’s surface and aren’t just breathtakingly beautiful with their varying shades of blue, they’re vital to our ecosystem too! Oceans connect us all and they provide much more than we could imagine, sustain and protect us more than we think.

Also referred to as the lungs of planet, these gorgeous bodies of water absorb large amounts of the Carbon pollution we emit and what’s more, they provide up to 70% (or more by some estimates!)…of all the oxygen we breathe. Through tiny marine plants that live in the seas, we’re able to enjoy clean fresh air and breathe literally without thinking. Can someone say, ‘Amazing! 🙂 ‘

Speaking about survival, can you guess how many people worldwide rely on the oceans as their primary protein source? 3 Billion…the number is staggering, but that’s how amazingly sustaining the deep blue is. It feeds and nourishes so many of us and supports countless livelihoods that depend on its industries.

The oceans are again a major source of thousands of ingredients used in making medicines, they regulate and temper our weather and climate and are simply over all, incredibly important to OUR survival.

But…we’re polluting the seas heavily, from garbage, toxic waste and ‘forever’ plastic; we’re killing these organisms and poisoning their ecosystems, quite literally cutting off our oxygen supply. The effects of our pollution don’t stop there. Marine animals ingest our pollutants and we cause unseen suffering to the sea life and as for the fish that end up on our plates, we’re ingesting micro-plastics through them, with our health being severely affected as well. Who wants more plastic than fish in the sea? If it’s business as usual, that’s what they’re predicting for 2050…

But what can we do? Well, just simple, small steps! 🙂 Start going plastic free, refuse it, reduce it, reuse it and recycle it. Carry a refillable water bottle, switch to bamboo or metal straws, carry a reusable shopping bag, don’t buy products wrapped in plastic, and better yet, let’s demand ethical practices from companies. They exist to supply our demand, so let’s say no to single use plastic!

We can take the example of one inspiring group of people who set out to make a difference and are now making waves. They collected over 10 tons of plastic waste and 30,000 flip-flops lying discarded on pristine, white sandy beaches…then recycled them into the world’s first sailing boat! The Flipflopi is a symbol of hope, after all, look what re-purposed plastic can do! Built by the very same fishing communities affected by plastic waste, this boat sailed from Lamu to Zanzibar and back. And now, they are cleaning the seas once more and building an even bigger boat! Want to show your support? Find out more.

Lastly, a WAPI? Tip 😉 …educate yourself with a documentary or two. You’ll be better informed and make better choices too. We were pesonally moved by the Blue Planet II… We as consumers have the power to influence industry and as the population we can shift policy. Together, let’s honour, conserve and protect our life-giving seas!