Are Our Islands Sinking?

I grew up in a household where the adults did not believe in global warming. As a child of the millennium with a logical, rational-based mind I questioned this again and again, and was in turn gaslit and scolded for my enquiries.

When I moved out of my grandparent's household, into a slightly more modern blended family environment with my father, I was a sponge for information about the world's history and social studies classes. I distinctly remember learning about how the Island Republic of Kiribati was not in fact "sinking", but succumbing to rising sea levels. This was a shocking revelation for me, and made me realise that if this was being taught in schools, based on scientific papers, studies, and extensive research, my grandfather must be wrong.

That's a crazy thought as a teenager, that someone who you admired so much could have their head in the sand about a major world crisis affecting every one of us who call planet Earth home.

World Ocean Day

Even the United Nations is even behind it, declaring in the year of my birth (1992) June 8th as World Ocean Day. For 2023 they are hosting an unorthodox conference including keynote speakers, spotlight presentations and performances in a globally accessible virtual event.

In the UN's own words, "The purpose of the day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilise and unite the world's population of a project for the sustainable management of the world's oceans."

This year's theme is entitled "Tides Are Changing" and whilst I am at peace with the fact that I will never change my grandparent's mind about the facts surrounding us daily, from severe weather, rising sea levels, and record temperatures, I can extend some ideas to you about how we can extend our support for World Oceans Day beyond one day a year:

1. Reducing Plastic Consumption

A great place to start is by consciously reducing plastic consumption. This can be done in little steps based on your budget and a great place to start is opting to ditch the plastic bags at the fruit and veg counter, purchasing a keep cup to ditch the takeaway coffee cup, and choosing products with plastic-less or plastic reduced packaging. Some bigger steps involve opting into the soft plastic recycling scheme, opting out of purchasing drinks in plastic PET bottles, switching to compostable cling wrap/zip lock bags, and switching to longer-lasting glass kitchen containers.

2. Eat Less Kaimoana (Seafood)

Not all of us can avoid eating seafood to get what we need into our diet in a way that is healthy for the individual, but eating less kaimoana can have a huge impact on the environment. When you do need to eat fish and shellfish be sure what you are consuming comes from sustainable fishing practices, avoid freshwater farmed salmon (these farms produce harmful waste, keep the fish in sickening conditions requiring them to pump the fish full of antibiotics, and consume high amounts of water), and if you are a keen fisherperson, try catch and release practices and taking what you only really need to feed your immediate whanau.

3. Use Less Water

Using less water around your home reduces runoff into stormwater which ultimately ends up in the oceans. Try collecting rainwater from your roof for hydrating your gardens and washing the car, limit shower times, and maximise washing machine loads - only putting through what you need to when you really need to. Natural fibres such as wool can be hung in the sunshine to last a few more wears. A really easy win is not running the tap whilst you brush your teeth!

4. Reduce Pollutants

Pollutants can very easily end up down the drain, into the stormwater, and back into the ocean. A lot of these come from cleaning products and pesticides inside and outside the home. When you are purchasing products, be on the lookout for products marked "harmful to aquatic life" and simply opt out! There are plenty of alternative organic natural pesticides to use in the garden, ways to freshen the air in your car, and even cleaning products for your home.

5. Conscious Clothing Choices

The amount of clothing waste that ends up in our Oceans is mindboggling. One of my favourite sayings is that the best place to shop is your own wardrobe, however unavoidably we sometimes find ourselves in a situation where we need to purchase something new to us.

The second best place to shop is a second-hand store! Whilst you are supporting a charity, you can enjoy the thrill of the hunt, and likely pick up some unexpected (and seriously cool) retro and vintage items along the way. I often find items brand new with tags still on which baffles me. There are also instances where skipping this step is a necessity eg. undergarments and basics. The key here is to purchase consciously, ethically, and with intention. Find a B-Corp certified company. Take your time finding something you love. Look again a few days later - do you still love it? If possible go try the item on. Look at the fabric, and ask yourself, are there any plastic fibres used? How well is the garment made? Are the fit and style right for me?

It is always better for the planet and our wallets to buy less, and buy well-made high quality items that will last. Don't be afraid to turn up to occasions wearing the same outfit as last time... those old social norms are being left behind in the dark and you can always switch things up with accessories, shoes, and layering.

6. Reduce Fuel Emissions Where Possible

I say where possible, as not everyone has the luxury and means of being able to run out to buy a brand new electric car and install the required infrastructure in their home. So instead, try walking to the park, or the dairy, or when your go down the road, do several errands at once to save going back and forth. Try carpooling to work or events if possible... or be brave and try public transport.

7. Try Composting

But seriously. Try composting. Not only is this an effective way to reduce carbon emissions from food scraps in landfill, you attract worms, and create a nutritious, biodiverse product to spread on your garden for free. Contrary to popular belief - not only food scraps go in a compost bin!! Tear in acid-free paper products, paper towels, seaweed, small amounts of ashes from the fireplace and anything that states home compostable on it. Your wallet, garden and the planet will thank you for it.

8. Litter Sucks

I could tell you about how much litter and waste ends up in our oceans, but you have seen the photographs. So when you next go for a walk, whether it be on the beach, to the local park, or just around the block, take a glove and bag with you. When you see a piece of litter... pick it up. My father does this ritualistically and I am always shocked at what he finds. Bonus - any pieces of metal and aluminium cans he finds he stores and takes to the metal scrap yard and trades for $.

The Effects of Global Warming

These days a quick Google search tells us that no place in the Republic of Kiribati is higher than 2 meters above sea level, making it the most vulnerable place on Earth to be affected by the effect global warming has on rising sea levels. This figure is achingly worse than what it was when I was a wide-eyed fourteen-year-old girl sitting in social studies class.

Some little steps and personal investments can make a huge impact on our carbon footprint, and ultimately our oceans. We are all human at the end of the day, all battling our own narrative engrained into us as children. My belief is that it is all about starting small and doing a little bit more every day. Because if we all did a little bit more every day, the collective impact reaches vastly further.

Guest Blog Post by Ellen Larsen

We hope you enjoyed out latest gust blog post by the amazing Ellen.

Love Annie / @ethicallyso xxx