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04/16/2010
Monterey Bay Aquarium offers other tips for Earth Day 2010
The health of the planet is always top of mind at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Its new “Super Green” seafood list is helping seafood lovers everywhere enjoy delicious seafood that’s heart-healthy, low in contaminants and a Seafood Watch “Best Choice” – the best for the ocean environment.
“Our individual actions, small though they may seem, are contributing to a sea change that’s making a big difference for the future of the oceans,” said aquarium Executive Director Julie Packard. “Choosing ‘Super Green’ seafood is a simple thing we can do to ensure thriving oceans for the future.”
Developed in collaboration with scientists from the Harvard School of Public Health and the Environmental Defense Fund, the “Super Green” selections include items like wild-caught salmon, sardines and farmed mussels – all good for people and good for the planet. Details are available at www.montereybayaquarium.org/supergreen.
Another simple Earth Day action: Carry and use its Seafood Watch pocket guides, also available for the iPhone and for internet-enabled mobile devices. It’s a simple way for consumers to use their buying power to shift the seafood market in ways that promote healthy oceans.
The aquarium’s free “Seafood Guide” iPhone app was recently voted “Best of Green” as the Best Smart Phone App in Treehugger.com’s annual ranking of green innovations.
Its newest special exhibition tackles another pressing issue: the untold story of climate change and its impacts on the oceans. “Hot Pink Flamingos: Stories of Hope in a Changing Sea” shares stories about remarkable wildlife and shows visitors the many ways people can tread more lightly on the Earth, protect its natural resources and make a better home for all who share the planet.
The aquarium has assessed its own carbon footprint over the last year, and has embarked on a five-year plan to reduce that footprint through a variety of energy saving measures.
“We think this is especially important as we find new ways to talk to our guests about climate change,” said Cynthia Vernon, vice president of education, guest and research programs. “We definitely need to show that we are finding ways to limit our own impact as far as possible, before asking our guests to do likewise.”
One recent contribution was the aquarium’s annual participation in Earth Hour, March 27. At 8 p.m. the aquarium switched off all non-essential life support functions saving around 430 kW of electricity in one hour.
The “Think Green” section in the aquarium’s Gift & Bookstore is constantly expanding the range of eco-friendly gifts available to visitors. Eco-shoppers can choose from soy and kapok plush toys, soy and bamboo socks, apparel made from recycled or organic cotton, and jewelry made from recycled glass and reclaimed silver. There’s also a growing selection of fair trade, handcrafted items.
Bon Appétit Management Company, the aquarium's in-house food service provider, recently replaced all disposable beverage containers with reusable glasses and cups in the Portola cafe – eliminating an estimated 160,000 disposable cups each year. In addition, by selling reusable water bottles and not offering bottled water in the cafe, it hopes to encourage guests to cut down on future purchases of one-time use plastic bottles.
Join the Monterey Bay Aquarium in making a difference this Earth Day. You’ll find lots of tips online at www.montereybayaquarium.org/change. For daily ocean inspiration check out the blog www.seanotesblog.org.
The mission of the Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the oceans.
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