How you can help
• We can all help to reduce the extent of marine pollution, simply by making more conscious choices. Many of the chemicals we apply to our lawns, flush down our toilets, spray on our crops or use in our factories, pose a risk to our oceans. Finding biodegradable, natural and/or safer alternatives is a great start, then we must minimise and contain any chemicals that we do choose.
• Improving our recycling efforts is another progressive step. Say 'no' to plastic shopping bags and reduce your reliance on single-use plastic packaging and non-recyclable products. Remember that anything capable of finding its way into drains or becoming airborne has the potential to enter our oceans, so dispose of all rubbish safely.
• When it comes to shopping, consider more sustainable sources of products, especially sugar and beef, which can contribute to marine pollution in Great Barrier Reef catchments.
• If you live by the sea, perhaps contact your local Coastcare group and join in beach clean-up activities.