Celebrating World Ocean’s Day at Classic Toyota and Exploring Toyota’s Environmental Sustainability and Water Conservation Efforts

Today is World Oceans Day, implemented every year on June 8th by the United Nations in an effort to help preserve our planet’s oceans.  The purpose of this holiday is to examine the impact humans have on the ocean, to mobilize efforts to reduce pollution and destruction of the ocean, and work together to implement a sustainable management system for this vital global resource.

Living in Wisconsin and Illinois, we may not live in close proximity to the ocean, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a big impact on the health and sustainability of our oceans by making small changes and efforts!

Here are some great lifestyle choices that are easy to implement that have a huge impact on our environment:

• Reduce your carbon footprint.
  Purchasing hybrid vehicles with PZEV designation, as well as all-electric or alternative fuel vehicles is a great way to help reduce your dependency on fossil fuels.  Other ways to reduce your carbon footprint include keeping your home at a regulated temperature, turning off all lights and electronics when you leave a room, taking public transportation or walking or riding a bike instead of driving, and purchasing food that is designated “sustainably harvested/sustainably caught.”

• Practice the “Leave Nothing Behind, Leave it Cleaner Than You Found it” mantra.
  Whenever you travel, especially to places such as beaches or lakes or bodies of water, make sure that you do not leave any trash or belongings behind.  If you bring it in, you bring it out – this includes trash, beach toys, clothing, recyclables, food scraps, etc.  Throw it out in designated areas or bins, or bag it up to bring it home and dispose of properly.  Trash that is left behind can be consumed by wildlife or make its way into rivers, streams, and estuaries that empty into the oceans or large bodies of water.

• Say no to single-use plastics and demand environmentally friendly alternatives.
  While single-use plastics do have their place in medical environments, and are considered an accessibility need for many disabled individuals around the globe, if you do not require their use, it’s best to choose a more environmentally friendly alternative.  Choosing items made from paper which can be composted, such as paper straws or uncoated paper food containers, are much better than single-use plastics.  Replace your single use drink containers with stainless steel or glass alternatives.  Avoid releasing items such as balloons into the air as well, and opt instead for paper decorations and biodegradable confetti.  Reach out to your favourite businesses and companies and make a suggestion to swap to renewable, recyclable, reusable materials instead of single-use.

• Get politically involved.
  Learn about important environmental issues that are up for a vote locally, regionally, and globally. Urge your local elected officials and representatives to vote on the side of conservation, sustainability, and preservation efforts for a greener future.  Don’t be afraid to get involved and take action by joining conservation groups and helping to restore coastal and beachside areas as well as rehabilitation of aquatic ecosystems.

• Explore the oceans up close and personal.
  Take a road trip with friends and family to the East Coast, West Coast, or Gulf coast areas and go explore the beaches, tidal pools, and coastal regions.  Observe the local wildlife and flora of each region, and how it interacts with the environment.  Volunteer to do some wildlife monitoring or cleanup efforts in these areas, too!  If long distance travel is not an option, there are lots of ways to explore the ocean.  Marine Biologists maintain aquatic habitats and rehabilitate lots of aquatic wildlife by working with aquariums and observation facilities. You can visit lots of public aquariums across the country!

Learn more about conservation efforts via The Economist:

All across the globe, car manufacturers are taking action to reduce their carbon footprint, and aid in environmental preservation efforts.  Here’s a look at what some of today’s automotive industry is doing to help the cause:

The Ocean Cleanup nonprofit:

Toyota USA and Environmental Stability Efforts to Conserve Water:

Toyota Motor Philippines Nationwide Coastal Clean-Up Efforts:

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