"Make a difference to the world today"

How lucky were WE @pinaynomad to have this whole island to ourselves for a day? but saddens me greatly to know that in 15 years or less this little beauty won't be around anymore. Something our children and grandchildren won't get to enjoy or experience. Islands like these are under great threat by climate change. The far-reaching effects of climate change — from ocean acidification, disrupted ecosystems and rising sea levels. The threats are more real than ever and even though I am always conscious about this, I try my best not to abuse of the gifts Mother Earth gave us, save water, no littering, turn off electricity when not in use, etc. I still want to believe that I am not a direct cause to all of this slow destructiveness but the harsh truth is that I am. I am sadly just as much to blame as anybody else. So what I am really trying to say is let's all try to be better together, small changes can have a huge impact!

My sister @pinaynomad and I - circa 1954

"How can I make a difference in the world," we often ask. "I'm just one person, how can I have an impact?" Imagine if every person made one change, what that would add up to. What it could do.

Did you know that more than 10 million metric tons of plastic are dumped in our oceans each year? Our ocean and coasts affect us all—even those of us who don't live near the shoreline. Consider the economy. Through the fishing and boating industry, tourism and recreation, and ocean transport, employs around 200 million people jobs, generating $80 billion a year. In 2010, Coastal and marine waters was projected to account for 9.2% (US $5.7 trillion) of global GDP and $235 million jobs all over the world. Then there's travel and tourism. Our beaches are a top destination anywhere in the world, attracting about millions of people a year. And let's not forget about the Great Lakes—these vast bodies of water supply more than 40 million people with drinking water.

Here’s an invaluable infographic from diveln.com

Our ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes serve other critical needs, too—needs that are harder to measure, but no less important—such as climate regulation, nutrient recycling, and maritime heritage. Last but not least, a healthy ocean and coasts provide us with resources we rely on every day, ranging from food, to medicines, to compounds that make our peanut butter easier to spread! A simple act of caring is life CHANGING! The Earth is our home. We must protect it. We are only guests here. Each of us can work to change a small portion of events. Start Recycling today. Happy community. Happy Stemians.

Here's some creative ways to recycle plastic bottles into DIY projects

Credit: homesthetics.net

The Ocean is Way Deeper Than You Think
Something out of your wildest dreams might want to know that ocean takes up 95 percent of the world's living space, and only 7 percent of it has been properly studied and sampled, according to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

Credit: Real Life Long

If you have any ideas, thoughts or comments don't hesitate to share.

Sources: oceanwealth.org; oceanhealthindex; plasticoceans.org