5 Ways You Can Participate in Saving Our Ocean

One of the most shocking, eye-opening, and heartbreaking Netflix documentaries we’ve seen in the last year is without a doubt Chasing Coral(if you haven’t seen it, we definitely think you should watch it). It was truly shocking to see the scale of the impact we as a species have on the ocean and its creatures, which is why we at A Page in the Sun make an effort as a business and as individuals in doing our share to participate in saving our ocean.

If you would like to join us on this adventure, you’re awesome! In order to make it a little easier for everyone, we’d like to share 5 ways you can help to save the ocean:

1. Say no to straws, plastic cutlery, plastic and Styrofoam take-out containers, and single-use plastic bags. According to the UNEP (United Nations Environment Program), an estimated 8 million tons of plastic ends up in our oceans every year. You can do your part in reducing your plastic waste, and by inspiring the community around you to do the same.

2. Make conscious decisions about where you buy and eat your seafood. Fish populations are being threatened and reduced by unsustainable fishing practices, loss of habitat and high demand. Do your part by choosing where you buy and eat your seafood.

3. Take care of our beaches. Besides being sure to take everything you brought with you, it’s important to leave things as you found them too. Try not to take any rocks, coral or sea creatures with you when you leave. If you want bonus points, take a few extra bags with you to pick up any garbage you find laying around.

4. Look for a non-toxic, ocean friendly sunscreen. Sunscreen comes off of our bodies and ends up in the sand and on the ocean, which is actually one of the things that is most damaging to our coral reefs. If possible, also avoid aerosol cans because not only does it spray further onto the sand, it pollutes the air too.

5. Educate yourself. One of the most effective ways you can help protect our oceans is by making the decision to educate yourself about how you can help. The more you know, the more you share, and the more you can inspire others to follow your lead.

While visiting beautiful Puerto Vallarta, be sure to check out our used bookstore in the Romantic Zone; a place where we do our part to protect our ocean every day by encouraging our customers to say no to plastics. Our coffee shop offers thousands of used books to choose from, plus all kinds of comfy spots to settle down with a new book. Plus, check out our full menu with sandwiches, salads and more at our Romantic Zone café in Old Town Puerto Vallarta!