7 Ways to Celebrate World Oceans Day

As you might guess, Rubio’s is pretty passionate about the ocean. It’s the inspiration behind both our food and our lifestyle.

We’re committed to doing our part to protect and care for this amazing resource, and we hope you’ll join us in celebrating World Oceans Day on June 8^th and 9^th. This global celebration is an opportunity to learn how we can improve the health of our oceans. It’s also a chance to honor and celebrate all of the goodness that comes from the ocean, from the seafood we enjoy so much, to its peacefulness and natural beauty.

To inspire you, we’ve compiled a list of ways to protect and appreciate our oceans. The best part is, you can do many of them with your family, even if you don’t live near the ocean.

1. Eat sustainable seafood. Overfishing is a global problem. Look for the blue Marine Stewardship Council label when buying seafood in stores, and use the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch website or app when dining out. Both are very helpful resources to learn which types of seafood are sustainable (and delicious!) options.
2. Use less plastic. Roughly 500 pounds of plastic bags, bottles, and containers enter the oceans every second. Plastic never completely decomposes, and it’s toxic to fish and sea animals, who often mistake it for food or get tangled in it. Swap out your single-use plastic water bottles for reusable ones and take a pass on plastic bags at the grocery store. We’ll help – on June 8^th and 9^th, we’ll give you a free reusable clear tote bag with every Rubio’s purchase *while supplies lasts.
3. Participate in an ocean clean-up. If you’re lucky enough to live near the ocean, check out Surfrider Foundation for their listing of beach cleanups. Their organized clean-ups are happening at ocean beaches in 16 states across the U.S. on June 8th, and also on other dates throughout the year. They’re open to the public and a great volunteer opportunity for the entire family.
4. Help keep the non-ocean waterways clean. Even if you don’t live near an ocean, you may be near a lake, river, or stream, that empties into the ocean eventually. Litter from your area can end up in the sea because it washes downstream with rivers. Help out by joining a local waterway cleanup and remind people who use the waterways to never litter and clean up after pets.
5. Use fewer chemicals at home. We don’t often think of the impact things such as garden pesticides, fertilizers, and everyday household chemicals have on the ocean. They too find their way through the waterways and into the sea. They’re not visible like plastic and other debris, but they travel through the food chain and cause fish and sea animals to get sick. Try to use organic or natural products whenever possible, or try some of these easy “recipes” for DIY natural cleaning products.
6. Take a virtual ocean tour. You can leave your beach gear at home, but still enjoy the ocean with these interesting and educational YouTube videos. Here are a few of our favorites:
   • National Geographic – 360 Underwater National Park
   • National Geographic – Exploring Oceans
   • National Geographic – Oceans 101
   • Learn about the Ocean for Kids
   • Bill Nye the Science Guy – Ocean Documentary
7. Get crafty with the kids. Everyone will love these ocean-inspired craft ideas. They’re a fun way to reminisce about a favorite beach vacation, make plans for one in the future, or just get a conversation going about why and how to care for our oceans.

Of course, doing good things for the ocean shouldn’t be limited to one day each year. The world’s oceans need our help to stay clean and healthy. We’re committed to making a difference all year long, and hope you’ll join us.