What is being done to reduce ocean problems?

6 things you can do to help save the ocean

Read more from this blog series:
Discover and fall in love with the ocean: our main source of life
What are the problems that exist in the ocean?

The ocean. Our great source of life. So far, we have had the pleasure of getting to know it and allowing ourselves to feel some love and even respect for it. We have also had the opportunity to open our eyes to the increasing suffering it is experiencing daily. This time, the goal is to sow hope in their hearts that this problem can be eradicated over time, and to motivate them to act. So read on to find out what is being done to lessen the ocean’s problems and what you can do to be the solution. 

People making an impact

Who is Jossy Zamora?

Jossy Zamora is a girl who promotes the care of the environment of Cancun and Quintana Roo through social media, especially Instagram. Her purpose is to educate people about everything related to the topic, either by inviting them to cleanups or giving tips on how to lead a waste-free life. The expected result is a society more motivated to have a more sustainable life. With a reach of approximately 20,000 people, she has created valuable content through interviews with foundations and associations that protect Quintana Roo. She gives a voice to all researchers, vendors and anyone who wants to. She seeks to combat the problem. She offers the invitation to learn about our natural world, because from knowledge comes love and when you love something you take care of it with all your strength.

Who is Camila Jaber?

Camila Jaber is a Mexican free diver passionate about the cenotes and their conservation. National freediving champion, she made an audiovisual showing the beauty and delicacy of the cenotes in the Riviera Maya. She won the Creat EP26 contest for the video titled “Yo soy cenote' (I am a cenote), the objective is to expose the threat that these natural wells face due to garbage and chemical spills. The project lasts a little over two minutes, where Camila personifies the freshwater of the cenotes to show the incredible beauty of the subway ecosystem that connects with the ocean. The 25-year-old athlete has explored cenotes, achieving a connection with the water, and encouraging Mexican society to be aware of the dangers it faces. In an interview for the newspaper Milenio in 2021 she expresses what we as a community can do: 

“Change our habits. Reduce the consumption of plastic and meat. Question ourselves a little more about where what we consume comes from, not only what we eat but also what we use every day. Think about who I am betting on when I spend my money, who I am going to invest in, which companies or corporations I am going to support, for example. This is an invitation to become more informed. The consumer has the power to decide which companies or which projects are going to grow'.

Camila Jaber

Who is Omar Vazquéz?

Omar Vazquéz is the president of the company Blue Green Mexico, who had a patent for his sargassum-based brick invention. Omar saw an opportunity in the excess sargassum found on our beaches by converting them into bricks and building homes with them. These products have been studied at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and have proven to be as resistant and durable as adobe bricks. Optimizing costs and being a help for the damage caused by sargassum, this venture is a huge help to the parasite that invades more and more beaches. 

People like them show motivation in society to rise. There are more like them being living proof of how small actions can make big changes in the world.

The world with sustainable purpose

Around the world there are places called Atmospheric Emission Control Areas. These are areas at sea where greenhouse gas emissions are controlled. With these zones, the International Maritime Organization aims to reduce sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ships. In 2021, there are four zones: on the east and west coast of the United States of America, in the North Sea, and in the Baltic Sea. 

On the other hand, it is not new news that restaurants no longer offer plastic straws, but optional straws made of biodegradable materials. Also, in supermarkets, butcher shops or self-service stores, the use of plastic bags is less and less present, giving as an option to bring your own cloth bag or buy it there. An interesting fact about Grupo Bimbo is that it has reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by more than 100 thousand tons worldwide and is committed to using 100% renewable energy by 2025. Large companies are doing their part to combat the common problem we live in; however, it may not be enough. 

At Grupo Xcaret, sustainability is part of the management style and is a key element in its vision of “being unique in sustainable tourism recreation'. That is why Xcaret has a Sustainability Policy and the Xostenibilidad model used in every aspect of the business, where its implementation is ensured through a system of evaluation and continuous improvement.

The Xostenibilidad model is based on three pillars to facilitate the transmission of actions for a business performance aimed at the conservation of our environment and the social welfare it entails. The pillars are identified as the “3Ps’ ‘: People, Planet and Prosperity, having as scope that all actions are carried out within the company and have an impact on its surroundings. 

What can we do?

We have seen what people and companies have done, but even with their incredible actions it is not enough to defeat the damage suffered by the ocean. Therefore, there are various acts that society, whether far or near the coast, can do to support.

1. Use fewer disposables: When we go to restaurants, let’s try to consume the entire portion or bring a tupper. Even if you are interested in learning more about how to live a waste-free life, our eco friend Charlotte will be a fabulous guide.
2. Reduce your CO2 emissions and energy consumption: using lights in the house when it is daylight can possibly be reduced or switching to fluorescent light bulbs can be a simple thing to start with. Also, trying not to use the car as often and looking for greener alternatives can be of great help.
3. No littering: This is the most known rule, let’s try to respect our environment by putting our garbage in its place and if we see any litter, contribute by picking it up. This simple action is very important to reduce the presence of waste in the water and avoid the strong consequences of pollution. 
4. Buy with conscience: For those people who love fish, helping fisheries by choosing products obtained from the sea with sustainable processes is an incredible option. Just look for a blue MSC seal on products certifying that they come from a sustainably managed fishery. 
5. Travel responsibly: Try to head to destinations that are committed to protecting wildlife and supporting local communities. When you are at the beach, cenote, or any natural place, respect the life that lives there and above all when buying souvenirs in the place, be careful to choose those that do not threaten endangered species such as coral jewelry, shark products or sea turtles.  
6. Increase your knowledge of the ocean: It is possible to learn even more about the ocean or our planet in general. Expanding our knowledge increases our love and inspiration for change. There are books, documentaries, web platforms and museums, exhibits about the beauty of the ocean along with its situation over the years.

Changing certain aspects of our lives to take care of our home entails a great responsibility. Still, it is satisfying to know that there are people who care about the environment, but it is not enough. Together we will be stronger and the key to our success is persistence. Help save our ocean; our planet will be worth the result.