Sally Smith, Founder of Ocean Thinkers
Between juggling careers, relationships, kids, side hustles, and keeping ourselves (mostly) sane, saving the ocean might not always be top of mind. But here’s the truth: you already have the power to make a big difference, and you don’t need to change your style, be a marine biologist or live near the coast to do it.
The ocean quietly impacts nearly every part of our lives. It produces over 50% of the air we breathe, helps regulate the temperatures and weather we experience, the food we eat, and even some of the products we use on our skin. So the question is: how can we live more sustainably and help the ocean, which, in turn, helps us?
You don’t need to do everything. But doing something? That’s where change begins. Here are five tips to have a positive impact on your environment:
1. Take Your Time When Choosing Products
In a world of one-click purchases and next-day delivery, slowing down might not come naturally, but it’s powerful. Every product you buy has a footprint, from packaging and shipping to ingredients.
Intentional shopping reduces waste, supports sustainable brands, and keeps harmful materials out of our oceans and homes.
Here’s how you can try to shop more consciously:
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Research before you click: support businesses that are transparent about their production and give back to environmental causes.
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Read the labels: look for reef-safe, biodegradable, or plastic-free products. When it comes to skincare ingredients, Biossance has created an in-depth library that breaks down the scientific words (thank you Biossance!).
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Pause before you purchase, ask yourself: how far does this have to travel to get to me? Do I need it, or do I just want it right now?
2. Plastic Is Here to Stay: But Say No to These Chemicals
Let’s be real, plastic was created for convenience, and it’s not going away overnight. But over 16,000 chemicals are used in its production, and some are highly toxic to us and the planet. Start by avoiding the worst offenders:
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Phthalates: Often found in toys, food packaging, cosmetics, and even clothing. It is colourless, odorless and added to make the plastic more flexible. These hormone-disrupting chemicals are rarely labelled.
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BPA: Common in plastic bottles, food containers, and some eyeglasses for strength. This one has been getting some airtime and “BPA free” labelling is becoming common (yay!)
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Microplastics: Tiny plastic particles manufactured to be used in personal care products, clothing, and industrial manufacturing. These microscopic pollutants are increasingly found in waterways, and alarmingly, in our bodies too.
Simple swap-outs you can make:
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Toys – Choose organic cotton, natural rubber, or untreated wooden toys.
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Food storage – Use glass containers, stainless steel lunchboxes, reusable coffee cups and water bottles, and fresh produce over canned/plastic wrapped goods.
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Cosmetics – Opt for organic skincare, natural oils, and “phthalate-free” labelled products.
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Household – Pick natural cleaning products, solid wood or metal furniture, and natural fibre textiles.
3. Fashion: Look Good, Do Good, Feel Good
The fashion industry is one of the biggest contributors to ocean pollution. Microplastics from synthetic fabrics, toxic dyes, and overproduction often end up in our waterways.
Why not look good and feel good:
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Choose slow over fast fashion, quality over quantity. (France just passed laws banning ultra-fast fashion ads and adding eco-taxes…cue applause 👏)
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Support brands that use organic or recycled materials.
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Love your clothes longer: repair, rewear, and swap with friends.
4. Knowledge is Power
You can’t protect what you don’t understand. The good news? Learning about the ocean doesn’t have to be overwhelming, just start small.
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Watch Ocean by David Attenborough (now on Disney+)
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If you can, schedule 10 minutes a week to read an article or listen to a podcast on the ocean.
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Sign up for newsletters like National Geographic or Minderoo Foundation.
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Attend local events or marine education talks. Take the kids, it’s a great way to instil values early.
The more you know, the more intentional your choices become.
5. Use Your Voice (It’s Powerful)
The damage to our oceans is real, the better news? It can recover. But we need the right people making the right choices, starting with us.
Use your influence:
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Support ocean-positive brands and local grassroots organizations
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Share what you’re learning with friends, family and on social media.
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Write to your local government representatives and push for sustainable policies.
Being vocal doesn’t mean being perfect. Use your influence, however big or small, for good.
Take Action Now
Start where you are. Pick one swap, one documentary or one new brand to support, then build from there. The ocean (and your future self) will thank you for it.
Want to know more?
Contact: hello@oceanthinkers.com.au