Small Choices, Real Impact: Simple Ways To Protect The Ocean

We don’t always think about the ocean when we’re putting on makeup or shopping for groceries. But our everyday habits play a big role in the health of the sea. The ocean covers over 70% of the planet, but we rarely think about how our everyday choices affect it.

Plastic waste, chemical runoff and climate change are all taking a toll. At PoolBar London, we believe great sun care should feel good and do good. That means thinking beyond the bottle and being more mindful of how our everyday routines impact the environment, especially our oceans.

The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your life to make a difference. These small shifts are easy to start and genuinely help support ocean health.

Plastic waste is one of the biggest threats to our oceans. While going completely plastic-free isn’t realistic for everyone, there are simple swaps that can make a huge difference in reducing pollution and protecting marine habitats. 

One easy way is by carrying a refillable bottle and a reusable bag. Choose skincare and sun care that comes in recyclable or minimal packaging. Also, check your bathroom shelf, as some scrubs and cleansers still contain microbeads, which are tiny plastic grains that wash down the drain and into the sea. Natural exfoliants like salt, sugar or ground apricot are just as effective and much kinder to the environment.

It’s easy to forget that everything going down the drain ends up somewhere. The truth is, not all wastewater gets properly filtered. Chemicals from harsh cleaning products, synthetic soaps or even hair dye can slip through treatment systems and wind up in rivers, then the sea.

A few swaps can help, like switching to more biodegradable cleaning products. Look for ingredients that are pronounceable and don’t contain too many fragrances. And avoid pouring cooking oil down the sink, as it can clog pipes and eventually lead to sewage overflows, which push pollution straight into waterways.

A helpful rule of thumb? If it’s not safe for fish, it probably shouldn’t be in your pipes.

You don’t need to live by the coast to help protect the ocean. What you do in your garden or outdoor space can still have an effect. When it rains, water runs off your lawn, driveway or patio, and that runoff often ends up in storm drains. Along the way, it can carry fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals that eventually flow into rivers and out to sea.

Planting native species helps absorb more rainwater and filters out pollution naturally. Avoid using chemical-heavy fertilizers or weedkillers when you can.

If you’ve got a paved front drive, consider adding a few pots or a green border to soak up excess water. These small steps make your space better for bees and birds, too. Even a little greenery can do a lot to keep waterways cleaner.

If your summer plans involve swimming, snorkelling or sailing, reef awareness goes a long way. Coral reefs aren’t just colorful backdrops for holiday photos, they’re living ecosystems. They take decades to grow but can be damaged in seconds by an anchor or even someone standing on them.

If you’re snorkelling or diving, try to avoid touching or standing on coral. The same goes for picking up shells, which can be home to small creatures or part of a reef’s structure. If you’re out on a boat, avoid anchoring directly onto reef areas. Look for sandy patches where you can safely lower the anchor without causing damage.

We know climate change is a big topic and it can feel out of our hands. But warmer oceans are directly linked to coral bleaching, and small lifestyle changes do make a difference when enough people do them.

Start simple. Choosing to walk or cycle instead of driving short distances, and unplugging chargers and appliances when you’re not using them. Fix that dripping tap and try shorter showers. Even using fans instead of cranking up the air conditioning helps cut back on energy use.

These habits also save money, which is a win-win. Less energy used means fewer emissions, and that gives our oceans a better shot at recovering.

We use recyclable packaging for all of our products, and we’re careful about how we source and produce everything we make. We’re committed to improving wherever we can and being part of the conversation around ocean health.

Sun care and the sea go hand in hand. We want our products to fit into your beach bag, your daily routine, and your values.

Looking after the ocean doesn’t mean changing everything overnight. Most of it comes down to awareness, noticing what we buy, how we use it, and where it ends up. Whether you’re picking a product off the shelf or rinsing out your conditioner, small habits matter.

Learn more about our ocean-friendly sun care range.