Debris kills creatures big and small, and that same trash is coming for people. How? Directly (on the plate) and indirectly (in the beauty and eco-balance of the natural world). As tons of plastics, chemicals, and other pollutants tumble into the ocean, creatures are fighting for their survival.

While it’s vital for each of us to call on industries and lawmakers to step up to curtail pollution, boaters can directly affect the health of the critters who live in the sea. Changes in our shopping and dining habits and boating routines can have positive impacts on the oceans. Start with these suggestions:

• Conserve water — check for leaks and turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth.
• Pick up dog waste and flush it down the toilet.
• Use environmentally friendly lawn care products and leave your grass clippings on the lawn so you reduce the need to fertilize.
• Before making a purchase, see if you can repair or re-purpose an item you already own.
• Don’t buy clothing made with nylon and polyester (the plastic microfibers will come out in the wash).
• Say No, thanks to plastic wrap from the dry cleaner.
• Select products without plastic packaging (e.g. buy cans that come packed in boxes rather than attached by plastic rings).
• Keep a reusable mug in your car and have it filled when you stop for coffee or tea.
• Instead of taking a sandwich in a plastic bag, pack it in a reusable container.
• Avoid takeout: a short time spent unwinding in a café or diner beats eating at your desk and tossing out the clamshell container.
• When dining out, specify No straw.
• Ask restaurants and grocers for sustainable seafood.
• Skip the chewing gum — most are made from synthetic plastics that do not biodegrade.
• Carry your shopping home in reusable bags.
• Celebrate without balloons.
• Take care when stocking an aquarium — nearly all saltwater sea creatures are removed from coral reefs, depleting ecosystems. Buy local-bred only.
• Don’t toss waste into an overflowing trash can.
• Keep a net aboard to scoop up floating trash. Bring it back to shore to dispose of properly.
• Before you drop anchor, find out what’s below — don’t disturb a seabed habitat or coral.
• Never deliberately throw anything overboard (even the rest of that cola).
• Use a pumpout boat or station when the head is full.
• Fuel up responsibly, stop when full, and turn up the nozzle to prevent drips.
• Wash your boat with water, reusable rags, and a small amount of environmentally safe cleaning products.
• Secure trash so it doesn’t accidentally blow overboard.
• Bring back all lines and gear you take out.
• Participate in a beach cleanup (or two, or three).
• Never take a souvenir from a nesting ground or the water — a trinket to you is a habitat to someone else.