4 Ways to Celebrate National Ocean Month

June 06, 2023

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June is National Ocean Month and on June 8th we celebrate World Oceans Day. And to honor the vast and magnificent oceans that cover over 70% of our planet's surface, I'm releasing several brand new pieces that highlight some beautiful species that we can find under the surface. And to celebrate, I'm offering 15% off all orders over $50 placed within the month of June from the National Ocean Month collection found here.

Oceans are the heartbeat of our planet, producing the majority of the oxygen we breathe, regulating the climate, and providing a habitat for countless marine species. National Ocean Month and World Oceans Day is meant to inspire action and mobilize individuals, communities, governments, and organizations to work together in preserving and restoring the health and resilience of our oceans.

Biodiversity Hotspots: Beneath the surface, there is an incredible array of marine life, from microscopic plankton to majestic whales and everything in between. Oceans are teeming with biodiversity, hosting ecosystems like coral reefs, mangrove forests, and kelp forests, which are home to an extraordinary variety of species. These habitats not only provide shelter and food for marine organisms but also serve as nurseries for countless fish species, supporting the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on fishing for their sustenance.

Threats to the Oceans: Our oceans face numerous threats that endanger their health and integrity. Pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change pose significant challenges to marine ecosystems. Plastic pollution, in particular, has become a global crisis, with vast amounts of plastic waste accumulating in our oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems. Rising ocean temperatures and ocean acidification due to climate change are causing the bleaching of coral reefs and disrupting delicate marine ecosystems.

Conservation and Restoration Efforts: The good news is that awareness about the importance of oceans and the urgent need for their protection is growing worldwide. Governments, organizations, and individuals are taking action to conserve and restore our oceans. Initiatives like marine protected areas, sustainable fishing practices, and the reduction of single-use plastics are gaining momentum. International agreements such as the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, which focuses on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, are crucial steps toward preserving our marine ecosystems.

What You Can Do: While significant progress is being made on a global scale, individual actions also play a crucial role in ocean conservation. Some things to consider:

1. Reduce Plastic Consumption: Plastic is a major part of our life, but it doesn't have to be all consuming. Consider reusable alternatives, such as durable water bottles, stainless steel or glass containers and reusable shopping bags. Also consider packaging that is more sustainable, such as paper, cardboard or glass, as they are more easily recycled and biodegradable than plastic. Also shopping in bulk to avoid less packaging is helpful. And finally, choose to spend your money at stores and companies who are eco-minded and committed to reducing plastic waste. 
2. Support Sustainable Seafood Options: Educate yourself about the seafood you consume. Learn about the species, their life cycles, and the methods used to catch or farm them so that you can make informed choices. Also choose seafood products from well-managed fisheries. Look for certifications such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). These certifications indicate that the seafood has been sourced sustainably, with minimal impact on the environment and fish stocks. Also, certain fish populations are being overfished and exploited. Avoid consuming species that are at risk or have been classified as overfished. Consult seafood guides and apps provided by organizations like Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch or the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for up-to-date information on sustainable seafood choices. And finally, choose locally sourced seafood whenever possible. Local fisheries are often more closely regulated and have a smaller carbon footprint due to reduced transportation. Supporting local fishermen helps sustain their livelihoods and strengthens local economies.
3. Stay Informed: Educating ourselves and others about the importance of oceans and sharing our passion for their well-being can inspire collective action and drive positive change. Look to organizations, such as Oceana, Ocean Conservancy, Surfrider Foundation, Marine Conservation Institute and National Geographic Society.
4. Purchase Art that Gives Back: As mentioned above, I've released several new pieces of art to celebrate and honor our Oceans. To help YOU celebrate, you'll receive 15% off any purchase from the National Ocean Collection of $50 or more. 10% of profits are donated to wildlife conservation and animal welfare and in June, donations will go to Ocean Conservancy. 

I hope that you're a little inspired to take action to preserve our beautiful oceans. And of course, I hope you love my newest releases. 

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