The Health of the Ocean

Take a deep breath. Now take another deep breath. The oxygen you inhaled for your second breath came from the ocean. The ocean is a gift to all of us as it provides 70% of the world’s oxygen according to National Geographic. Specifically, phytoplankton, tiny organisms found at the water’s surface, are responsible for producing much of the air we breathe. As you can see, the health of the ocean directly affects us and, unfortunately, the ocean is under the weather.

Our planet is warming, with 2015 officially the hottest year ever recorded. A warming planet leads to a warming ocean, which leads to many harmful and life threatening affects. These affects include, coral bleaching or ‘whitening’ of coral, rising ocean temperatures, and ocean acidification. The ocean has already lost around 40% of its coral reefs. Coral reefs are vitally important for the ocean ecosystem, supporting a quarter of all marine life. Loss of coral reefs affects the ocean’s food chain and the food supply for many nations who depend on the fishing industry. 

Researchers have also found that the ocean is absorbing over 90% of heat energy generated by manmade greenhouse gas emissions.  This accelerates the warming of the waters and warm water holds less oxygen.

As more carbon dioxide is spewed into the atmosphere, the ocean is becoming more acidic. The increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is being absorbed by the ocean and converted into carbonic acid, creating a highly acidic ocean. This increase in acidity is threatening the ocean, especially shellfish. Studies have shown that the shells of tiny snails are dissolving because of the amount of acid in the water.

Although the future may look grim and the issues seem too manage, we can and must be a part of the solution. Our everyday actions greatly impact our planet and the ocean. From the food we eat to the amount we drive. It is important to share information about solutions with family, friends, co-workers, on social media, and as far and wide as you can. If you are already using reusable water bottles, bags, and utensils, take it to the next level - drive less, eat less meat, get involved in your local community and with politics.

When Mother Nature is sick, it is our duty to nurse her back to health. As Cindy Zipf, Executive Director of Clean Ocean Action, once said, “What’s not to love about the ocean? It’s resilient. If you give the ocean a chance to heal, it can come back. That’s a powerful message for all of us.’’

Brushing with Beads

A daily ritual that cleans your teeth and keeps your breath fresh could be wreaking havoc on our waterways and ocean. Toothpaste and other products have started popping-up on store shelves containing microbeads, minuscule polyethylene ‘plastic’ beads. These beads are being advertised as exfoliants in skin care products. In the case of toothpaste they are used as an abrasive.

The problem is these plastic microbeads found in toothpaste do not dissolve before, during, or after their use. This can cause serious problems to your health, and our waterways. The health risks are due to the fact that a portion of the microbeads remains within the mouth and can become embedded underneath the gum line. Dentists around the country began to worry that these beads were causing more harm than good. During patient visits, dentists and hygienists found the microbeads stuck in crevices between the teeth and gums. This raised concerns because the beads could trap bacteria in the gums leading to gingivitis, and possibly overtime cause periodontal disease.

These beads are also polluting our waterways. Every time you brush your teeth, these tiny beads go down the drain and travel through sewers to a wastewater treatment plant. Due to their microscopic size, microbeads are far too small to be filtered by wastewater treatment facilities and as a result are discharged into waterways. A report released by the New York Attorney General’s office estimates that the state of New York discharges 19 tons of microbeads into its waterways annually!

This pollution caught the attention of advocacy groups and scientists, who have raised these concerns to elected officials. States, including New Jersey, began to tackle the issue by passing laws regulating microbeads. Federally, New Jersey’s Congressman Frank Pallone introduced the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015, which prohibits the sale or distribution of rinse-off cosmetics containing plastic microbeads. This bill quickly passed the House of Representatives, unanimously passed the Senate, and was recently signed into law by President Obama in December 2015!

Although microbeads are banned for the future, products containing microbeads will remain on the shelf until 2017. Until then it is up to you to be a conscious shopper. Read the ingredients list on the box carefully, if you see polyethylene or polypropylene on the list of ingredients it means that product contains microbeads. Luckily, there are plenty of other natural alternatives to keep your breath fresh, your teeth white, and your waterways healthy. Happy brushing! 

Eat Right for the Planet

You’ve heard the phrase; you are what you eat. The food we eat not only affects our health, but can affect the health of our planet. The agricultural business is energy intensive. It uses massive amounts of water and energy to produce the food that we eat. With widespread droughts and threats from climate change, it is important that we are conscious about our food consumption and the effects it has on the planet.

Individuals make changes to their diet every day to improve their health, but we forget our health also depends on a healthy planet. Here are some tips on how to eat right for yourself and the planet:

Eat more veggies. Whether it is just for one day, such as Meatless Monday or going vegan, lessening your meat intake is good for you and the planet. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has estimated that livestock production is responsible for 18% of greenhouse gases. This includes methane from animal waste, along with fertilizers and manure used to produce feed and the deforestation to provide grazing lands. Always be conscious of what your body needs, while keeping the planet in mind. There are great recipes and restaurants to help you incorporate more veggies into your life.

Shop organic. Studies have shown that chemical farming uses considerably more energy per unit of production than organic farms. These chemicals, such as nitrous oxide, not only emit greenhouse gases, but also create dead zones-- areas in lakes, bays, and the ocean that are oxygen depleted because the excess nutrients run off into the water, polluting it. Choose organic food when you can. Since organic foods are grown in healthy soils, they are typically more nutritious, containing more vitamins and minerals. Organic farms also promote genetic biodiversity, creating less water pollution and soil damage. This is healthier for you, the farm workers, and the environment.

Buy local. The average meal travels around 745 fossil fuel burning miles, before reaching your plate. Thankfully farmers markets have been popping up around the state. Buying local reduces the amount of energy used, greenhouse gases emitted during transportation, and helps to slow climate change, while also supporting local farms. Find a local farmers market near you - http://www.jerseyfresh.nj.gov/

Grow your own. There is nothing more rewarding than nursing a seed to a sprout. Gardening can be therapeutic and a form of exercise. You do not need to live on acres of land to start a garden. You can start out small with a few pots of your favorite vegetables or herbs. Not only will you be provided with nutritious, organic food, but you will help provide oxygen for the planet and reduce CO2.

Compost. Starting a compost bin is good for your garden and for the planet. Composting reduces the amount of waste sent to the landfill, while making nutrient rich soil for your plants and garden. Composters now come in all sizes, with towns and organizations hosting events to educate the public about home composting.

Don’t be wasteful. We tend to eat with our eyes. We put too much food on our plate or in our shopping cart. That is why close to half of all food produced worldwide is wasted after production, discarded in processing, transport, supermarkets and kitchens. Start small, you can always go back for seconds. It will benefit the planet and your waistline.

Little, gradual changes in your diet can go a long way for your health and the health of our planet. Remember to always make sure you do what is best for your body and your health, while being conscious of the environment.