The interconnections between ocean health and human health and well-being underscore the importance for effective and sustainable ocean conservation behavior change strategies. While behavior change can be challenging, an easy and evidence-based approach called Tiny Habits® provides a practical solution. Developed by BJ Fogg at Stanford, the Tiny Habits method empowers individuals to initiate change by starting with tiny with actions that take only 30 seconds to complete. These tiny habits, when applied to ocean conservation, encourage meaningful and sustainable practices, ensuring lasting contributions to global efforts in preserving our oceans. Tiny is mighty!
Tiny Habits Recipe
After I… I will… Celebrate success
Get my keys to leave the house. Grab my reusable water bottle. Yay!! I am decreasing plastic waste.
Here are some tiny habits to try.
| Anchor Moments | Tiny Behaviors for Ocean Conservation |
| After I … | I will … |
| get out of bed in the morning and my feet touch the floor, | say it’s going to be a great day to talk with people about ocean conservation. |
| start to brush my teeth , | shut off the water while brushing. |
| walk near the door to leave a room, | turn off the lights. |
| pick up my bag to go to work , | bring a reusable cup, water bottle, and my lunch in reusable containers. |
| get my wallet to go shopping, | get my reusable bags to decrease plastic pollution. |
| think about buying clothes, | look at websites of sustainable clothing companies (e.g. Patagonia) or buy vintage/secondhand clothing. |
| lock the doors at night, | turn down or off the thermostat. |
Check out the free Tiny Habits Program at: https://tinyhabits.com/
Ocean literacy awareness plays a crucial role in the restoration, protection, and sustainability of ocean ecosystems. The alarming loss of biodiversity and significant environmental shifts, including more intense hurricanes, prolonged droughts, and widespread wildfires, emphasize the urgent need for action to preserve our ocean ecosystems. Remarkably, the global ocean spans nearly three-quarters of the planet. Beyond its vast aesthetic beauty, the ocean serves as the primary source of oxygen, freshwater, seafood, global cargo transportation, marine employment, and medicines, including pain reduction and cancer-fighting agents.