As divers, we have a responsibility to do what we can to reduce our impact on the natural world – particularly the ocean environment. We’d like to share the strategies we use to lighten our footprint and we invite you to do that same.
Starting from the top, here are nine things Catalina Divers Supply co-owner Christy Lins does to reduce her impact on the environment.
Nine easy ways to reduce your impact on the natural world
Fill a watering can while the shower warms up and use that to water plants. No one wants to take a cold shower, but water is a precious resource – especially on the island. Tossing bucket in the shower while the water warms up is a great way to conserve that water for other uses.
Reusable bags for shopping. In many places reusable bags are a requirement, but it’s surprising how many people forget that fact when traveling. Our local Vons sells reusable bags with great island scenes on them. If you forget the next time you shop there, take a few home rather than buying the plastic bags. They make great souvenirs and we have some at the dive shop!
Reusable Produce bags. Amazon sells produce bags that eliminate the thin plastic bags for vegetables.
Non plastic containers for things such as laundry detergent or dishwasher pods. Plastic pollution is one of the most insidious threats to our marine environment. Anytime you can choose to forgo plastic the ocean will thank you.
Bamboo TP: There are a lot of reasons bamboo toilet paper makes more sense, including that bamboo grows fast and is much more renewable than traditional paper producing woods. It also breaks down quicker and is easier on pipes and plumbing. You can find bamboo toilet paper on Amazon.
Walk/bike to work as much as possible: Catalina makes it easy to make your commute greener with many residents opted to walk or bike to work, including Christy. No matter where you are, explore the options for making your commute a little greener.
Biodegradable dog poop bags: Doing the right thing is even better when you’re doing it with bio-degradable bags.
Biodegradable trash bags: See above.
Cloth face masks you can wash and reuse: Anytime you can choose to avoid single use items its better on the environment and that includes your skin care regime. Choose to re-use and you’ll automatically be reducing your impact on the environment.
Do the dishes – the right way: Dump your kitchen sponges and scrubbers for an environmentally conscious cellulose sponge.
Get your coffee: There are plenty of ways to make your morning cuppa greener. Choose coffee that is grown sustainable and ditch the plastic k-cups for compostable ones. Want to really go green? A French Press is the most eco-friendly way to make coffee.