Diary

The Covid-19 pandemic limited travel, providing an opportunity for everyone to reconsider how they travel. Prior to this, many tourist destinations had already taken steps to avoid an excessive influx of tourists and to protect their environment. Mass tourism has, among other harmful effects, caused ocean pollution. Traveling less often and better, adopting ecological gestures to protect the oceans..., is sustainable tourism being adopted? 

Simple gestures to preserve the oceans

Even if the preservation of the oceans is a vast undertaking, every gesture counts. By being aware of the ecological consequences of ocean pollution and by changing our habits, everyone can, at his or her level, help protect the marine ecosystem. Here are some actions to consider on a daily basis.  

Sunscreen: making the right choice to save coral reefs  

The impact of sunscreens on the environment is far from harmless. Various studies have shown that they are responsible for the destruction of corals, which are essential to the balance of the marine ecosystem. Some very touristy sites, in Thailand, Mexico and Hawaii, have banned the use of sunscreens containing filters that are harmful to coral reefs. However, sunscreens are essential to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. So what can we do? 

Before purchasing sunscreen, you should check that the filters it contains have a limited impact on the environment. However, since no sunscreen can provide perfect protection, the safest way to protect yourself is to limit the amount of time you are exposed to the sun, and to seek shade during the hottest part of the day. By wearing protective clothing, such as swimsuits and UV protective clothing, you can also limit the application of sunscreen to exposed areas of the body. It's better for your health and for the oceans!

Plastic, the main sea pollutant 

Plastic represents three quarters of marine waste, and among these, almost half are bags. They have the particularity to be light and to be easily transported by the wind. This is how a bag thrown in the street can contribute to ocean pollution. Even if it is placed in a trash can, it is not certain that it will end up in the landfill. Many of them fly away when the dumpsters are unloaded and are dispersed in nature! The main focus is therefore to ban this type of packaging. By avoiding all plastic containers and objects (e.g. bottled water), you will help prevent them from becoming ocean pollutants. 

Cigarette butts in the middle of the ocean   

A third of the French population smokes. Not only is this harmful to the health but also to the marine environment. Cigarette butts are small pieces of waste, often thrown on the ground, with little or no idea that this gesture will also contribute to marine pollution. Cigarette butts are easily carried by rain and wind, and often end up in a stream, which in turn ends up in the ocean. Cigarettes contain substances that are harmful to marine life. When you know that a single cigarette butt can pollute 5,000 liters of water, it makes you think twice before throwing it on the ground! Quitting smoking would be the best solution, but we know how difficult it can be! If you are a smoker, the best alternative is to always have a pocket ashtray on you!