Considering that yesterday was National Doughnut Day it seems like there is a “day’ for just about everything any more. I think World Oceans Dayis one we should all celebrate and support, though.
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Generates most of the oxygen we breathe
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Helps feed us
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Regulates our climate
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Cleans the water we drink
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Offers us a pharmacopoeia of potential medicines
- Provides limitless inspiration!
I like to think of the ocean as “mine”. The last one on the list is especially true for me; all of my novels, most of my short stories and most of my non-fiction writing involve the ocean. It inspires me, calms me and excites me all at the same time. When I’m out on the water (or under it) I find myself smiling. Especially when I’m diving, I often daydream and end up writing portions of upcoming stories while I float along.
What can I do? Here’s what other people are doing (again from the World Oceans Day site):
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I promise to bring reusable bags to the grocery store
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I promise to get a reusable water bottle
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I promise to take shorter showers.
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I promise to take public transportation to school/work once a week.
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I promise to only eat sustainably harvested seafood.
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I promise to participate in a litter clean-up.
- I promise to not use toxic pesticides on my lawn.
A good friend of mine always referred to the ocean as “hers” and she has worked her entire professional career to protect it and support ocean causes. That’s where I picked up the phrase and it influences my everyday actions. Honestly, I think we would all be better off if we all thought of the ocean as “mine”.