June is national Ocean month! World Ocean Day is celebrated on June 8, 2020; it was proposed by Canada in 1992. World Ocean Day is intended for people around the world to celebrate, honor, protect and restore the ocean. Many of us don’t give our oceans a lot of thought because they appear to be so vast, with seemingly endless amounts of water, and would seem to be just fine. In reality, our oceans are a vital resource and we humans may be causing them to go off-balance.
The world’s oceans are valuable natural resources that connect all of us around the world together. Ships sailing across the ocean carry people, goods, or supplies from one continent to the next. We use our oceans for recreational activities, like surfing, scuba diving, and whale watching. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc (NRDC), oceans also “govern the weather, clean the air, help feed the world, and provide a living for millions [of people]”. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) tell us our magnificent oceans contain an immense amount of marine life, which is a source of food, medicine, and other sustainable compounds. NOAA also reminds us that the Great Lakes, as well as other bodies of water throughout the world, supply us drinking water. We need our beautiful oceans to survive and thrive, for economic, fun, and nutritional reasons… and they are at risk. Our charge as good stewards of our oceans and water supplies is to find a balance between environmental needs and our human needs.
One of the biggest pollutants in our water sources is plastic, particularly from plastic grocery bags and water bottles. Even if you live inland, your plastic can end up in local waterways and ultimately cause harm to sea life, including birds, fish, and crabs. Further away, the plastic washes up on shores around the world, causing magnificent beaches to be littered with debris, which could harm local tourism and associated jobs, as well as potentially harming marine life. It’s why 4Ocean was founded. You may have seen some of 4Ocean’s commercials or read about them recently. They are an organization focused on cleaning plastic out of our oceans, globally. They’ve cleaned up over eight million pounds of plastic out of our oceans since 2017. 4Ocean relies on local people to assist in their efforts; if you’d like to jump in to help, look at their website to find things you can do.
Our ocean health affects our access to safe drinking water. According to the Ocean Conservatory organization, there are billions of people around the world (including in the U.S.) living without clean, safe drinking water . Many don’t realize where the water we use comes from. The Ocean Conservancy organization also explains how the ocean is an integral part of our water cycle; evaporated ocean water returns to the earth in the form of rain, which flows through our lakes, rivers, and streams, then back to the ocean.
Each of us can do something to help our oceans thrive – from seemingly small acts such reducing our reliance on plastic, reusing and recycling appropriately, to big global acts such as starting an organization with a mission to clean up our water supply chain. The Ocean Conservatory organization publishes key programs and activities during the month of June.
Our premium Saving the Earth collection is made with a fun, distinct design printed on jacquard ribbon, hand sewn onto a 100% undyed soft and durable Bamboo webbing backing. We call it our Saving the Earth collection because these exclusive designs represent and help raise awareness for important environmental concerns. If you are looking for a way for your dog to make a difference, this attractive collection is for you! Our ‘Making Waves’ design was created to support safer drinking water efforts by bringing attention to this important issue. Its design has our logo dog snorkeling through the splendid blue ocean with brilliant red fish and stunning red and yellow coral. We dedicate 5% of profits from our Making Waves products help fund projects that are dedicated to cleaning our water supply for our pets, the Earth, and us.
By the way, we can also help by recycling old dog and cat wear. It doesn’t matter what brand your leash or collar is, if you send it to us, we’ll re-use that hardware and craft a new product using our 100% earth friendly bamboo webbing material and send it back to you. And you get a 25% discount!
We appreciate you and your feedback, too! Please let us know if you have questions or suggestions.
Jim and Lisa
Wagging Green Pet Products