conservation

This year, for the first time ever, World Wildlife Day is turning the spotlight on “Life Below Water.”

You know already that I’m a nature girl. Whether I’m posting photos of hummingbirds  or harbor seals, I love sharing with you the treasures that come into view when I slow my roll and zoom the camera a little closer.  No surprise, then, I’m happy to promote this landmark occasion. Such a wonderful opportunity to celebrate biodiversity with the global community!

Is it possible to transform this one-day fete into something even more powerful and sustainable? I think so. We can support ocean-friendly legislation, while also giving license to our own imaginations. As the WWD suggests: “Every person’s small actions add up to a much larger solution – making the difference between a species surviving or disappearing forever. Just #DoOneThingToday to make a difference and help wildlife conservation.”

I invite you, dear readers, to consider your daily lifestyle choices, and the myriad ways they impact marine animals and their habitats. What mindless habits can we change, to affect positive change? Think: self-awareness, not sharp rebukes.  Can we give up plastic straws and bottled water? Bypass single-use packaging and toxic chemicals, in favor of organically grown, locally sourced produce? Join beach cleanup crews and carry away our own garbage? Let’s make a pact to  choose at least one new way of doing things. Each one, teaching one, showing by example our shared commitment. When multiplied by all the participants in #WWD (including you), we can make a whale of a difference!  It’s a gift to ourselves, really, given that we are all interconnected, and very much dependent on a healthy ocean.