Shell We Talk

5 Fun Facts for Kids About Ocean Conservation

Hey Sea Huggers! Did you know that even small actions can make a BIG difference in keeping our oceans clean and healthy? Learning about ocean conservation is fun and super important! Let's dive into some awesome facts about the ocean and how you can help protect it. Ready? Let’s go!

1. The Ocean is a Giant Oxygen Maker! 🌬️

Did you know that over 50% of the oxygen we breathe comes from the ocean? Tiny plants called phytoplankton live in the ocean and create oxygen through photosynthesis. Every time you take a breath, thank the ocean!

2. Tiny Plastics, Big Problems 🧴

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that can end up in the ocean. These small plastics come from things like clothes and packaging and can harm sea creatures when they get into the water. By using less plastic and recycling more, we can help keep the ocean safe for animals like dolphins and sea turtles!

3. Turtles Need Clean Beaches 🐢

Sea turtles lay their eggs on sandy beaches. When the beaches are clean and safe, the baby turtles can hatch and make their way to the water! By joining beach cleanups, you’re helping turtles (and other animals) have a safe space to live and grow.

4. Recycling is Like Magic ♻️

Recycling is one of the easiest ways to help protect the ocean! By turning old bottles and cans into new things, we’re helping keep the ocean free of trash. Plus, recycling helps save energy and reduces pollution. It’s like magic!

5. The Ocean Produces Most of Our Oxygen! 🍃

Tiny ocean plants, called phytoplankton, are like the Earth’s secret oxygen factories! These tiny plants help create at least 50% of the air we breathe. That’s why keeping our oceans clean is so important for the air we breathe too!

What Can You Do to Help? You can make a difference for our oceans by doing small things like recycling, using less plastic, and joining beach cleanups with your family! Every little action counts, and together, we can keep the ocean safe and beautiful for sea creatures and for us!

Tips for Keeping Mama Ocean Beautiful

Did you know that our oceans have a huge impact on the climate? Covering 70% of the planet, they absorb and store massive amounts of carbon dioxide and heat, which helps reduce and regulate global temperatures. Oceans also produce more than 50% of the planet’s oxygen - pretty cool, we know! But that makes it even more important to protect. 

We are stoked to share this list of ways to show some love for our oceans!

#1. Source responsibly

Who you support is important! Use your wallet to support ocean-minded products, services, and organizations. Speaking of support, taking part in elections makes a big difference. Support leaders, bills, and policies that prioritize our people and planet.

#2. Wishcycle v.s. Recycle

Wishcycling: placing an item in the recycling bin with the hopes that the item can be recycled, when it actually cannot. Learning your local recycling guidelines can help save a lot of time, money, and effort for those working at the centers.

#3. Connect with the outdoors

Getting outside increases our dopamine levels! More joy = more appreciation = more choices to protect our people and planet.

#4. Go Topless (skip the lid!) & b.y.o. CUP

To-go coffee cups are lined with a thin layer of plastic, or straight up are plastic! Bring your own, or go topless and skip the lid.

#5. The 3 P’s

There are really just 3 things you can safely flush down the toilet - pee, poo, and (toilet) paper. Flushable wipes are not included in this, since they don’t break down. Find yourself a good bamboo toilet paper, because all drains lead to the ocean!