Progressive Wednesday

Coral Relief: Change

It's the little things we do, the small actions we take as citizens, consumers, and stewards of our great green and blue orb that make the biggest differences, the most progress. It's what the Progressive Wednesday community is all about, the little things that each of us can do. It might be hard to imagine, but there are everyday things that even the most landlocked Nebraskans can do to help solve this crisis. So here's a list-behind-the-list of the everyday variety:

• For you reef-keepers like me out there, buy aquacultured animals. The Geothermal Aquaculture Research Foundation (GARF), located in Idaho, is a non-profit committed to coral propagation. They sell their corals online at very reasonable prices. Make sure your next “Nemo– and corals are “aquacultured– and lessen the burden on our natural reefs to supply our own indulgences.
  
• When you buy cement, brick or concrete, make sure it is not made from crushed coral.
• Do not buy bleached coral skeletons. Ever.
• Take care when diving. If you are one of the millions of divers that visit coral reefs each year, be sure to follow the rules and respect the reef. And don't take anything!
• Eat fish that are in abundance. The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch Program provides information on which fish are good to eat, what to avoid and good alternatives. They even break it down by region.
• Last but certainly not least, do your part to help fight global warming. You knew before how it affects you, now you know how it affects those below sea level. Renewable home energy, efficient driving, carpool– ¦ you know the drill, but it can't be said enough.

Picture credit to this reef diver.