What you can do!

Things you can do to protect our living seas

There’s lots you can do to protect our amazing UK marine life and the environment! Here’s just a few ideas:

1. At the coast

Do a 2 minute beach clean whenever you visit the coast. Share what you find with #2minutebeachclean and earn rewards with Tidal Revival.
Watch wildlife responsibly. Keep your distance and stay quiet, both on land and at sea, leaving wildlife as you find it. Learn more about disturbance from the Cornwall Marine and Coastal Code Group and Cornwall Seal Group and Research Trust.
Share what you see! Knowing where wildlife is can help protect them; report your sightings to ORKS – Online Recording Kernow and Scilly.

Refuse: Say no to single-use items, especially plastic and polystyrene. Carry your own reusable cup, bottle, bag, cutlery and straw and find out where your nearest Refill station is. Avoid disposable wipes and find out about zero-waste periods.
Reduce: Question when you buy anything; will you use it more than 30 times? If not, don’t buy it. Avoid fast-fashion; try charity shops or find your nearest clothes-swap event!
Reuse: When you can, buy quality well-made things from durable materials which will last. Repurpose and upcycle to get even more life out of things.
Recycle: If you can’t refuse, reduce or reuse, then recycle or rot (compost). Know what is recycled in your area and avoid buying anything non-recyclable.

Buy local: Eat fresher food, support local businesses and reduce food miles by buying from local producers. The Cornwall Good Seafood Guide supports local fishers who use more sustainable fishing practices.
Waste less: The average household wastes around 30% of the food it buys! Understand the difference between ‘use by’, ‘best before’ and ‘sell by’. and learn how to reduce what you throw out.

Walk or cycle: Your feet have the lowest carbon footprint, with the added bonus of keeping you fit and healthy.
Public transport: Taking the bus, train or ferry gives you time to enjoy the beautiful Cornish countryside, as well as help the environment! More people are choosing to fly less too; check out ideas for fly-free holidays.
Car share: Use The Pasty Connection and Carshare Cornwall to find people looking to share lifts.

Support local conservation work: There are 17 marine conservation groups around Cornwall and lots of other organisations working to protect our Cornish seas. Find out what’s happening in your area and get involved!
Get political: Contact your councillor, MP or MEP, speak with them, email them, call their office! These people represent you locally, nationally or internationally, so make sure you know what they’re saying on your behalf.

There are always more ways you can help protect our living seas and beautiful marine life – keep learning and share your passion with others!