Take Action . . . One of our principal philosophies at COARE is that everyone has the power to make a difference. We encourage you to be as involved as possible, and applaud those who choose to take more active roles or work in the field . . .  but you can make a difference, now and today, with the following suggestions: Never buy products like seashells or dried seastars. These animals are often taken in unsustainable quantities and are killed for ornamental purposes. Never buy products that come from endangered or threatened species and tell your family and friends to avoid them as well. Avoid food that comes from endangered species, like shark fin or turtle soup. Do not patronize any restaurant serving turtle or shark fin soup.  On your way out, politely inform the management about your reasons for leaving. Avoid eating shrimp – most are fished/farmed in extremely destructive ways. When dining out or patronizing a bar, refuse to accept drinks in a plastic cup. Recycling is good, but remember, it comes last in the expression "Reduce-Reuse-Recycle".  Avoid single-use plastic containers and single-use bags as much as you can. If you choose to eat seafood, make selections that are sustainably fished or raised.  The Monterey Bay Aquarium offers regional and national Seafood Watch pocket guides. Support sustainable businesses and let them know that you appreciate their efforts. If you scuba dive or snorkel, seek non-threatening interactions with sharks and other animals.   Your tourist dollars help affirm to the local economy the value of living creatures. Help dispel common myths about sharks by speaking up when you hear people talking about them in a negative manner. Help support legislation to ban the sale and trade of shark fins, like California's Aseembly Bill (AB) 376.  Click here for more information. Use your own mug when buying your morning coffee/tea.  This saves natural resources, reduces plastic debris (all those lids!), and keeps your drink warmer! When flying, use your own mug for beverage service.  Forgot your mug? - at least keep and reuse the cup they give you for subsequent servings. When at a bar or restaurant, order your drink without a straw.  Plastic straws are not recyclable, are slow to decompose, and often end up as debris in our oceans.  Yes, you should apply this standard to bar drinks as well. If you order food to go, tell them you'll bring your own bag, and remind them not to include plasticware. (One day, there will be a new standard and you won't need to remind them.)   Better yet, tell them you'll also be bringing your own containers. Reheating food in the microwave?  Cover things with a plate instead of plastic wrap. When shopping, you're already bringing your own bag, but you have a great opportunity to influence the people in line around you.  Discourage them from accepting unnecessary bags as well. Pay attention to where and how you continue to use plastic - and do what you can to reduce that. Tell your friends about COARE.   Interested in being more involved?   Join our team of volunteers.

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