World Oceans Day 2021: Easy ways UAE mums, dads and kids can help today

Did you know that the ocean covers over 70% of the planet and produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen? It is home to most of earth’s biodiversity and a major source of food and medicine for the whole planet. But with 90% of big fish populations depleted, and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, the ocean is now in need of our support.

World Oceans Day on June 8 reminds everyone of the major role the oceans have in everyday life and tries to help mobilize the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world's oceans. But ‘saving the oceans’ can quickly seem like an insurmountable task. So here are some seriously simple, easy things UAE families can do today to help look after our oceans, starting now...

SAVE THE UAE’S BABY TURTLES: Nappy brand Pampers has announced that it is investing in the conservation of the critically endangered baby Hawksbill turtles (hatchlings), which are a valuable member of the Arabian Gulf marine ecosystem and nest on UAE beaches.

The Hawksbill Turtle’s global population has reduced at an alarming rate. Protected under the Endangered Species Act and listed as “critically endangered”, the nesting population has declined by 80% due mostly to human impact and habitat loss. It is estimated there are currently only around 8,000 nesting turtles annually. Preferring sandy beaches and coastal dunes where nesting sites are within reach, the turtles help maintain the health of marine ecosystems.

In partnership with Emirates Marine Environmental Group (EMEG), the Pampers “Protect Baby Turtles” Program at the P&G Dubai Mangrove Forest will comprehensively enhance nesting habitats and facilitate a safe environment for Hawksbill hatchlings, giving them the best start on their journey to the ocean.

If you buy a pack of Pampers between June 8 -10 2021 on Firstcry,ae, Pampers will donate Dh10 on every pack sold to help protect the Hawksbill turtles. In the longer term, the program partnership will extend to turtle satellite tagging, scientific research as well as conservation awareness events.

GO PLASTIC-FREE (AND SAVE MONEY) WITH PUREBORN: Another nappy brand that’s doing its part this World Ocean Day is PureBorn, which has upgraded its delivery packaging to be completely plastic-free. Made from cornstarch, the new biodegradable packaging decomposes in only 90 days in a compost bin. To celebrate World Ocean Day, PureBorn is offering all online customers 15% off all products bought online on June 8 2021 at pureborn.com.

BOP & BEE: The even more ocean-friendly nappy option is to go for re-usable diapers. Homegrown cloth nappy brand Bop & Bee is the brainchild of husband and wife team James and midwife Zoe, who created their own range of bamboo, charcoal-based reusable diapers, cloth wipes and accessories following the birth of their second child. Check them out at https://www.bopandbee.eco/.

EGGS N SOLDIERS: Intrigued by cloth diapers but not convinced you’ll get along with them? Sustainable kids concept store Eggs N Soldiers in Time Square Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road is offering newborn and birth-to-potty cloth diaper hire kits, which give you and baby the chance to sample all the different types for a three-week period, before committing to buying your own. The rental fee is Dh200 (with a refundable deposit of Dh800). www.eggsandsoldiers.com.

RUN THE OCEANS: But saving our seas isn’t all about nappies! Mums, dads and little ones can lace up their trainers and get jogging this month with ocean-inspired athletic events organised by Adidas. The sports brand has teamed up with Parley for an environmental campaign, Run for the Oceans. For every kilometre run between May 28 - June 8 via the Adidas app, the companies promise to clean up the equivalent weight of 10 plastic bottles from beaches and remote islands. Download the app and get running!

ATLANTIS THE PALM: This World Oceans Day Atlantis The Palm has kicked off a brand-new sustainability initiative, Atlantis Atlas Project, designed to drive sustainability not just within Atlantis Dubai, but across the tourism industry How can UAE families get involved? From 8th June, by booking an educational experience at Atlantis, Dubai, you will be making an active contribution to the conservation and preservation of the environment. For every marine animal experience booked, 1 USD will be donated to conservation, sustainability, and environmental education initiatives, that will be selected twice annually as part of Atlantis Atlas Project to make a measurable impact to the natural world.