Give an Ocean Experience This Holiday SEAson!

This season, Clean Ocean Action is offering tips on how to green your holiday. Here is the third of twelve in COA's '12 Days of Green Giving' series.

By: Mary-Beth Thompson, Clean Ocean Action Operations Director

As a family with three active sons, over the years we have spent much time together having fun in outdoor activities.  Now that the “boys” are adults themselves and our family has expanded to include wonderful wives and fiancées, my favorite thing to do, especially around the holidays, is spend time together. So, this Christmas we have decided to do just that – we all set aside a day and night to do something fun! I would tell you what we will be doing, but Scott and I are saving the surprise for our Christmas gift to the children!

If you are thinking of giving the gift of time with each other, consider giving a gift of an ocean experience! It can even be more meaningful if you offer to share the experience together, such as surfing, fishing, or yoga-on-the-beach lessons. Seasonal passes to a state or federal park are also a great gift, as well as charter boat fishing or eco-tour boat cruises, and SUP and kayak experiences. Many supporters of COA are in these fun businesses, including Aqua Trails in Cape May, Pride Fishing & Tackle Shop in Red Bank, Summa Love Surfing & Yogain Long Branch, and Hackensack Riverkeeper in Secaucus. Top the day off with a gift card to a great seafood restaurant or continue the giving by cooking your own gastronomical delight with fresh seafood purchased at LustyLobster in Highlands.

Whatever your interests are, experiences and spending time together can be the most valuable gift to give or receive! From our family to yours, we wish you Happy Holidays and all the best in 2014!

(Photos by Scott Thompson)