If you’ve ever wanted to see the miracle of nature meet pure comedy, watch sea turtle hatchlings stumble their way across a beach and into the sea for the first time. But what's not funny is that most sea turtle species are threatened or endangered, making it critical to stick to these conservation tips.
Say “Nope” to Plastics
You know the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle”? That first part is the most important because the ocean is swimming in plastic–no joke. There are more than 150 million metric tons of plastic circulating in our waters, and another 8 million metric tons dumped in every year. You’ve probably seen heartbreaking images of marine life getting tangled up in trash, but here’s another not-so-fun fact: Sea creatures mistake plastic for food, and in one recent study, 100 percent of sea turtles were found to have plastic in their systems.
Suck It, Straws
Single-use plastic straws are among the top 10 items cleaned up from beaches, and they’re especially harmful to sea turtles: Plastic tubes can jam up a sea turtle’s nose or be mistaken for food. One step in the right direction is the movement to stop using single-use plastic straws and replacing them with paper, bamboo, metal or glass options. It’s time to say #SuckItStraws and take the pledge here.
Sea turtle in Grand Cayman (Photo by: @the_wolf_shark)Turn Off the Lights
In what’s literally their first step toward survival, hatchlings follow the light of the moon to find their way to sea. But artificial lights from nearby resorts, restaurants or your cell phone can disorient these little critters to the point that they wander off in the wrong direction. Not only that, but bright lights can even discourage their moms from nesting in the first place!
Spread the Word
Did you know that today is World Sea Turtle Day? Well, now you do! Share these tips with your friends and family so they can help make a difference today and every day.
