Happy Earth Day!

Our planet is more than 70 percent water, so when you celebrate Earth Day, you are also celebrating our ocean! The ocean faces many threats, but when we all pitch in, we can make a difference and work toward a positive future for our blue planet.

In honor of Earth Day, consider making a change to your daily routine or participating in an environmentally-conscious event or activity. Below are some of our favorite small things you can do to help make a big difference, and have fun doing it!

1. Join a cleanup event in your area. Cleanups can happen on land or in the water! Our staff and interns regularly participate in marine debris cleanup dives in the Florida Keys. If you are a diver, check out this map to find a Dive Against Debris event in your area. Not a diver? Many organizations are mobilizing volunteers to participate in cleanups in cities across the U.S as well as internationally. Visit www.cleanup.earthday.org to find an event near you or organize a cleanup of your own. Want to track your impact? You can even record the trash you collect using Ocean Conservancy's CleanSwell app.

2. Make a sustainable seafood choice. Consider eating seafood that is farmed or fished in ways that support healthy oceans, now and for future generations. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program can help you select a sustainable meal by indicating which seafood items are a Best Choice, Good Alternative, or one you should Avoid. If you enjoy eating seafood, download the free Seafood Watch app to get the latest, science-based recommendations for seafood and sushi. Here at REEF Headquarters in Key Largo, invasive lionfish is a popular seafood choice. If you live in an area that is affected by the lionfish invasion, think about giving this delicious, sustainable fish a try. Many Whole Foods Market locations in Florida now sell fresh lionfish fillets. Check out The Lionfish Cookbook for recipes on how to prepare your own lionfish. 
3. Reduce single-use plastics. From a remote beach to a busy city sidewalk, no matter where you are in the world, it's very likely that you'll notice some form of plastic pollution, especially single-use plastics like straws, coffee cups, water bottles, plastic bags, and to-go containers. We can all do our part to cut back on plastic consumption - get a metal straw instead of using a plastic one, or switch to shampoo that comes in a bar instead of a plastic bottle. One of our favorite ways to avoid single-use plastics is to keep a reusable container in the car for restaurant leftovers instead of using a plastic or Styrofoam takeout container.
4. Rethink your mode of transportation once a week. Consider running errands or getting to work by walking or riding your bike. Even doing this just one day a week can help reduce carbon emissions, and according to a McGill University study, the happiest commuters are those who walk or cycle to work. If this isn't possible, look into public transportation, carpool, or rideshare options in your area, and think about using one of these methods when the opportunity presents itself.
5. Get outside and explore! This Earth Day, we encourage you to go outdoors and connect with nature, including our ocean, rivers, and streams. Spending time outdoors can reduce stress, improve your mood, and boost feelings of happiness. If you live near the ocean, you can get involved in ocean citizen science by conducting a REEF survey on your next dive or snorkel. Even if you don't live near the coast, you can visit a nearby lake or river and learn about how your local rivers and streams are connected to the ocean. 

Photo credits: 1. Photo courtesy Key Dives; 2. Photo by Tiare Fridrich; 3. Photo by Monica Volpin via Pixabay; 4. Photo by Richard Masoner/Cyclelicious via Flickr; 5. Photo by Jeff Haines.