World Ocean’s Day Resources

World Ocean Day might only happen once a year, but, plastic pollution, the extinction of marine species, and corral depletion, and more, are happening on a daily basis – and only getting worse.

Use these resources to uncover the scale and scope of this problem, and your role is stopping it.

As per usual, if you find any more resources you think other people would benefit from too, feel free to email them to us and we’ll include them on this page :)

Articles


Ocean Pollution: Simple, Everyday Ways You Can Help Make a Difference https://modestfish.com/ocean-pollution/

 

Out of The Plastic Trap Saving The Mediterranean From Plastic Pollution http://ocean.panda.org.s3.amazonaws.com/media/OUT%20OF%20THE%20PLASTIC%20TRAP/WWF_Plastics_MED_WEB.pdf

 

29 Plastic Pollution Facts You Must Know https://ecopliant.com/29-plastic-pollution-facts/

 

Ocean Pollution: 11 Facts You Need to Know https://www.conservation.org/stories/ocean-pollution-11-facts-you-need-to-know

 

WWF: Ten Tips to Reduce Your Plastic Footprint https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/ten-tips-reduce-your-plastic-footprint

 

Petitions

Top scientists say we need half of the planet in its natural state to prevent the extinction of one million species, stay below 1.5°C, and safeguard all people that rely on nature to survive and thrive. We can start by protecting 30% by 2030. But it is not enough to just have scientists call for it. We need people to come together from all over the planet and call for urgent action. By signing the petition you are telling world leaders that you want action too!

https://worldoceansday.org/take-action/petition/

 

Documentaries  

The official United Nations World Oceans Day 2020 Virtual Event, with to topic of: Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean https://unworldoceansday.org/2020

On Netflix…

  1. A Plastic Ocean

“This 2016 documentary about plastic polluting our oceans, was shot in more than 20 locations over a four-year period and features a journalist, a free diver and a team of international scientists who educate viewers on the causes and consequences of plastic pollution. While the film may bring on the waterworks, it doesn’t leave you in despair. It offers plenty of solutions so you can take direct action soon after watching it.”

  1. Mission Blue (Netflix)

“Following oceanographer Sylvia Earle's campaign to save the world's oceans from threats such as overfishing and toxic waste, Mission Blue is an inspirational and educating documentary highlighting one of the worlds ocean heroes. The story covers her early years growing up in Florida, through her academic career, to her emergence as a scientist of sorts, not to mention her brief stint as the head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and all through her 6 decades exploring the ocean and the creatures who live there. To watch someone as passionate as Earle dedicate her life to saving the oceans will for sure make you question your own decisions when it comes to the way you treat the planet and the ocean, and motivate you to become an ocean hero just like her. “

  1. Chasing Coral (Netflix)

“A story hidden underneath the waves - this may be one of the most important pieces of film you will have ever watched. 

"Coral reefs around the world are vanishing at an unprecedented rate. Divers, photographers and scientists set out on an ocean adventure to discover why the reefs are disappearing and to reveal the underwater mystery to the world."

An incredibly passionate and emotional documentary opening the world eyes to the radical change in the corals due to our lifestyles and carelessness. While the hard facts learned while watching may be slightly discouraging and depressing, it does have a positive message and encouraging outlook. Everyone needs to watch this, everyone needs to learn from this. I'd go as far to say it's one of the most important things you can do right now.”

     4. David Attenborough: The Blue Planet

“If there is one human on this planet that can persuade you to shut up and listen, it is David Attenborough. Described as "the first ever comprehensive series on the natural history of the world's oceans" each of the eight 50-minute episodes examines a different aspect of marine life. The underwater photography included creatures and behavior that had previously never been filmed. The only time binge watching is encouraged.”

https://www.netflix.com/title/80049832

YouTube:

Our Planet- Coastal Seas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9PeYPHdpNo

David Attenborough Desert Seas National Geographic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPYxbMvgR30

 

YouTube …

  1. Tapped

“This 75-minute 2009 documentary film examines the bottled water industry and its impact on human health and the environment. It reveals a multitude of problems: how much oil is dug up and used to create the disposable plastic packaging, the lack of ethics of some bottled water manufacturers, and the battles that communities are involved in to protect their water sources from profit-seeking corporations. Since one million plastic bottles are produced each minute and a big percentage isn’t recycled, we hope this film changes the way you see bottled water and hopefully encourages you to give it up for good.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzntuXdE8dY

 

Amazon …

  1. Plastic Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

“Winner of multiple awards, this 2013 independent documentary film follows journalist and filmmaker Angela Sun’s journey to see the ocean’s plastic phenomenon known as The Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Sun interviews many experts, scientists, researchers and volunteers along the way, to learn the causes and effects of this floating plastic landfill in the Pacific Ocean. While the film focusses on the ginormous marine pile of plastic, it also explores how the world got here as well as the history of plastic: how plastic is made, how it has invaded our lives and how we got to become so dependent on it. It took Sun three years to get the relevant approvals to visit the patch but her persistence paid off – this film tells the story of plastic pollution brilliantly.”

https://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Paradise-Great-Pacific-Garbage/dp/B00MRSRPSS

 

  1.  Bag It – Is Your Life Too Plastic?

“This film prompts you to ask yourself – could you go a day without plastic? In this 2010 doco, Jeb Berrier embarks on an investigative adventure of the world of plastic and discovers how difficult it is to navigate modern life without this man-made material. Jam-packed full of information, Bag It runs through the plastic lifecycle, from the fossil fuels and harmful chemicals used in its processing, through to its impact on human health and the environment. It does so wonderfully, by weaving comedy and serious information together in a way that leaves viewers engaged, educated and entertained. This is a light-hearted environmental film that even non-environmentalists will enjoy.”

https://www.amazon.com/Bag-Jeb-Berrier/dp/B007JRTW5Q/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1532387187&sr=1-1&keywords=bag+it&linkCode=sl1&tag=ecowarriorpri-20&linkId=340f2655c993e5bec73f93b48143e73c

 

  1.  Plastic China

“Wang Jiuliang’s award-winning documentary “Plastic China” about the plastic waste industry in China, is a moving film which tracks the lives of two families who make ends meet by processing imported plastic. Revealing the horrifying impacts of plastic on human health and the environment, the film is saddening, yet deeply touching. This doco provides real insight into the implications of the trade in foreign recyclables such as plastics, and how the plastics waste business affects the lives of those at the very bottom of the industry.”

https://www.amazon.com/Plastic-China-Jiu-liang-Wang/dp/B06XTWLBC7/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1532384217&sr=8-4&keywords=plastic+china&linkCode=sl1&tag=ecowarriorpri-20&linkId=760c3fe6b01f0e35a0c8220ed3d49bad

 

Online …

  1.  It’s a Plastic World (short film)

This ominously-narrated information-packed 3D animated short film shares the consequences of our obsession with plastic. In the time it takes to make a mug of instant coffee, it is able to educate viewers on the heavy subject matter in a way that is easy to understand, explores the negative impacts of our plastic consumption and offers solutions to reduce our reliance on the material.

http://itsaplasticworld.com

 

**(Suggestions and descriptions from: Educational Docos and Short Films About Plastic Pollution and Living Plastic-Free by Jennifer Nini, Eco Warrior, & Girls that Scuba)