In the midst of what was an otherwise self-absorbed and indulgent vacation, I was confronted with realities that commanded awareness and a sense of personal responsibility. I was sailing with friends in the Andaman Sea. Surrounded by scenery so dreamlike that even my imagination couldn’t compete with, I questioned if we had been CGI-ed into the set of movie Avatar. Friends who have looked through my photographs claim my photos “can’t be real”, or that they “look like a postcard”. But what my friends didn’t see (as a result of my careful omission) was the vast amount of trash dotting the shores and floating in the water so prevalent among some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.
The ocean has given so much to me in my lifetime. It hurt me to no end to see such rampant pollution. Dozens of miles from shore, on remote and uninhabited islands, plastic bottles, mountains of disposable containers and countless remains of now indistinguishable styrofoam something’s covered the coastline. The evidence of such neglect and indifference was painful to process. Regardless of your stance on climate change, and even if you think humans have no influence on the environment, how could one have such blatant disregard for such profound beauty.
On the dock at the Marina, I had struck up a single serving friendship with a local. I inquired about renting some fishing poles but my new friend discouraged me from doing so. When I asked why, he simply replied “there are no fish in this part of the sea anymore”. By the time we got to the more touristy islands like Koh Pi Pi, I was nauseated and ashamed of us. Outdoor bars right on the sand where people discard cigarettes and beer bottles directly into the bay. This island was the filming location for the movie The Beach. For as far as I could see in every direction, there were American and Euro trash tourists behaving as if they had deep contempt for the same gorgeous scenery they had traveled thousands of miles to visit. It was an all-out assault on nature.
During recent sailing adventures in Latin America, I have made similar observations. I have also heard firsthand accounts from other sailors’ of enormous trash islands they have passed floating in the middle of the Pacific. This isn’t the result of Tsunamis, and my personal experience confirms the problem isn’t isolated to specific regions. This is happening all over the world.
I was disturbed to the point where I needed to participate in some small way. I don’t have children, but many of my close friends do. I am also not Al Gore and many people that know me may be surprised or classify what I have shared here as uncharacteristic given the altruistic nature of my message. To be really direct, I wasn’t motivated to help for the purpose of leaving a cleaner planet for future generations. My relationship with ocean deserves reciprocity. I owe a debt, and a precious resource, my inspiration is in danger. Regardless of how insignificant my contribution may be, I just needed to start somewhere, do something.
I began modifying my use of resources on a daily basis immediately. Plastic garbage bags were replaced by stylish reusable totes when I went grocery shopping. Recycling trips became a top priority because I started diligently separating my trash each week. Reusable stainless steel water bottles limited the number of plastics in my possession. Organic and anti-chemical cleaning products became a healthier option for my home maintenance.
Organizations such as Clean Ocean Action and Surfrider Foundation allowed me to research about ocean life and connect with others who were passionate about keeping the ocean healthy. While adapting to a more eco-friendly lifestyle, I inspired my family, friends, and readers to do the same. These lifestyle changes are the foundations for better treatment of our oceans. If all of us contributed our eco-friendly efforts, the ocean would be in a better condition for the future.
Sometimes the smallest acts of giving can still have a large impact on a cause. Humanity isn’t just a single entity detached from nature. It’s our responsibility to be one with nature and not abuse what it provides. By caring for our oceans, we create a priceless exchange. Limiting our ocean pollution brings us clean water and air for generations. Whenever you are at the beach or on a yacht, take a moment to meditate on how nice the ocean feels not only to you, but to all creatures living in it. Now, that’s something worth protecting.
I really hope someone comes up with a clever way to get rid of all that trash!
If humans don’t wise up, we’re going to live in a Waterworld-type scenerio very soon — and it’ll be all filled with garbage!
Small actions in our daily lives can help preserve, protect and care for the oceans. Simple ways like the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. I, for my part, use “reusable” shopping bags 😉
I wish people would be more careful and considerate in general, but especially when it comes to our water.
Plastic kills more then you think, it ruins the environment. Be kind. Don’t make the ocean your trashcan❤
I agree! There are about 2.2 million species living in the ocean, that means 50 to 80% life on earth ?
The ocean has been one of the very things that has kept humans alive for many generations. giving us food, oxygen, and water. But in the past 50 years something has shifted. Animals going extinct, habitats being demolished.
The most common form of ocean litter annually is cigarettes – At an estimated 845,000 TONS!!! One smoked cigarette butt in a single litre of water is sufficient to kill both marine and freshwater fish. Littering is for losers.
This is such an important messages. So many countries are plastic bag free or you at least get charged to use them, it’s time others caught up. But really the problem lies with us as consumers too. Thank you for this.
I agree! This message is important (and URGENT!). We are all culprits because we are all using products that devastate our vibrant coral reefs.
Did you know that the government is letting plastic bags get dumped in the ocean, that were originally going to be recycled? There excuse is that they can’t afford to recycle so many of them. This means, that when we eat seafood we could also be eating plastic, especially more and more as time goes on. Apparently, these plastic bags can be seen from space. Save the planet, stop cutting down trees, build upwards, and don’t use plastic bags unless you really need to.
Nowadays, most people are living with the "I don't care as long as I'm not affected" attitude. The environment is taken for granted and abused 🙁 I totally agree with the author that in our own little way, we can help clean up our oceans! There's no little things if you have a HUGE intention to help!
I agree that it's baffling sometimes to see people so selfishly pollute the environment. Thankfully, though, there are plenty of people who care enough to help clean it up again.
There are infinite reasons why we should care and respect our oceans. It’s disturbing to witness that the human is doing everything to destroy. And you’re right, it’s always glad to know that there are individuals (or organizations) concerned with protecting and preserving them.