The actions you take can have a cumulative positive impact on the health of coral reefs—whether you live in South Florida or a thousand miles from any ocean. From the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and the team at Rescue a Reef, here are five ways you can adapt your everyday behavior to help save our coral reefs:
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Reduce your carbon footprint. When you choose more eco-friendly modes of transportation (cycling, carpooling, or public transportation), shop local, support sustainable brands, and incorporate more plant-based meals in your diet, you do your bit to reduce carbon emissions that lead to warmer oceans and ocean acidification, endangering corals. |
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Reuse and recycle. Derived from fossil fuels, plastic is a major contributor to carbon emissions. Much of it ends up being burned, adding further to greenhouse gases. The answer: avoid single-use plastic, reuse water bottles and grocery bags, and recycle the plastic you do use. |
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Conserve water. The less water you use, the less wastewater you generate. Wastewater introduces nutrients, bacteria, and chemicals into the ocean, which have been linked with coral disease and mortality. |
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Switch to a reef-safe sunscreen. Sunscreen provides vital protection against skin-damaging ultraviolet rays, but the chemicals used in many sunscreens are toxic to corals. Mineral-based sunscreens (zinc oxide and/or titanium oxide) are a better option—be sure to check the labels! |
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Spread the word and get involved. Talk to friends, family, and community members—chances are, they will listen! Get involved and engaged locally and help to influence local policymaking in ways that protect our coral reefs. |
Beyond these everyday actions, you can help the Rosenstiel School when you
Dive in with us! If you are at least 18, a strong swimmer, and open-water certified (if diving), join a Rescue a Reef expedition. We will resume public activities as soon as local, state, and University covid protocols deem it safe. In the meantime, you can sign up for event and expedition alerts.
Support us! Your donation to the Rosenstiel School directly supports our ongoing efforts to ensure a brighter future for coral reef populations in South Florida. Make a gift here.
