Seas the Day!

Consume Consciously
Eat wisely to help change the world

“Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are. ”

– Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

Our collective consumption patterns have a huge impact on resources around the globe. When it comes to ocean resources, your seafood selection really can make a difference! In one recent national survey the National Marine Fisheries Service estimated our per capita fish consumption at 16.6 pounds annually, and rising. The quantity and type of fish you eat is under your control at the market and at restaurants - become informed so that you can make the best decisions to conserve our ocean resources. Be sure to check out our Eat for the Earth page for lots more great information and links.

Three for me….

Is there a catch to that catch? Some species of fish contain contaminants such as mercury, PCBs, and dioxins, which are harmful to developing nervous systems. Children, pregnant women, and women of childbearing age are especially at risk. Use the "Got mercury?" calculator to estimate your weekly intake of mercury; visit the Children's Health Environmental Coalition’s Safe Fish Chart for safer species to consume; and read the Chicago Tribune excellent investigative series on mercury and seafood for more information.
Eat only things you can easily pronounce.. Food produced with hormones or pesticides, or food processed with preservatives and colorings, are simply not as good for your health as natural, whole foods. Additionally, these chemicals can make their way into the environment, where they can wreak havoc on an ecosystem and the global environment.
Go local! Be a conscious seafood consumer and buy local, environmentally responsible seafood as much as possible. This promotes sustainable management of marine resources, and preserves a way of life for progressive–minded farmers and fishermen in your region. Help create a conservation economy.

…and three for the seas

Go for the Green! By choosing sustainably fished or farmed seafood, you can help conserve important ocean species and ecosystems. Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program has lots of information for seafood consumers, and you can download their free, and regularly updated, seafood wallet guide.
Don't "supersize" your seafood. "Supersizing" our eating experiences often leads to greater stress on our bodies and the natural world. By making smart choices and eating smaller portions you will still meet recommended protein levels and conserve fish for the future.
Break that bad bottle habit. Invest in a sturdy reusable water bottle and take it with you wherever you go. Fill it with cool water or the beverage of your choice - this will eliminate the need to buy drinks in disposable containers. A lot of resources go into creating and disposing of plastic drink bottles! Sign the No Bottled Water Pledge to break this bad habit.

Visit
The Ocean Project
Web Site