Citizens of the Ocean

CITIZENS of THE OCEAN

The world is connected, not divided, by the sea—through the circulation of protein, goods, people, and ideas. The ocean contains an enormous, unexplored inventory of medicinal cures, unlimited energy, and the desalinated drinking water that each of us needs in exactly the same amount each day, developed or developing, rich or poor, north or south, to survive.  Storm impact and sea level rise can threaten any time, anywhere, in a tumultuous instant making environmental refugees of us all. These are not frivolous things.

How then do we build a new global constituency for the ocean? How do we engage a growing audience of millions? How do we connect and unite citizens of the ocean worldwide, creating a global community whose collective awareness translates into the political will required to change how we understand and use the ocean’s bounty?

CITIZENS OF THE OCEAN is a socially-driven movement, a growing network of informed individuals motivated by a love of the ocean and an understanding that global connection is a powerful way to defend and sustain the ocean. We are joined together against the bankrupt values of the past, and united as a force for the future. Take the pledge today. Join us in making a change in the right direction for the future of the ocean.

 

CITIZENS of the OCEAN PLEDGE

I pledge to work for the sustainable ocean by:


Only consuming seafood that has been raised or harvested
through documented sustainable processes;

Refusing plastic containers when possible, and choosing only that which can be reused or recycled; and avoiding all products using non-biodegradable packaging, Styrofoam, and plastic wrap;

To avoid all products using non-biodegradable packaging, Styrofoam, and plastic wrap;

Conserving, harvesting, and recycling fresh water at home, at work, and at organizations with which I am associated;

Reducing my dependence on fossil fuels and production of CO2 emissions by using alternative transportation when I can,  
conserving energy at home, and adopting alternative energy
technologies whenever possible;

Advocating against the use, run-off and disposal of agricultural and lawn fertilizers, pesticides, chemicals, industrial waste, debris, detergents, sewage treatment and storm drain outflow into streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and watersheds as it all leads to the ocean;

Leaving all upland natural areas, waterways, and beaches cleaner and better than when I found them;

Opposing development within the coastal zone that compromises the environmental health of the shoreline and associated maritime resources;

Encouraging local schools and civic organizations to support environmental studies, programs and values;

Supporting local, national, and global conservation efforts toward a sustainable ocean in a bottom-up effort that begins at home, spreads to the workplace, my community, and beyond;

Requiring my candidates for political office to commit to these outcomes as part of their agenda;

Building the CITIZENS OF THE OCEAN network by sharing this pledge with my family, neighbors, and friends worldwide.

 

 

  • Share this