The ocean produces more than half of the world's oxygen. That means oceans are not just fun places to spend summer afternoons, but also vital to life on planet Earth.

It's easy to recognize the role that healthy oceans play in preserving and promoting marine life. But many people may be unaware of just how much humans rely on the ocean, and not just as a supplier of the air we breathe or even the foods we eat. For example, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes that many medicinal products come from the ocean. Such products include ingredients that help in the fight against an assortment of diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer's and heart disease.

Despite their importance to human life, the world's oceans are facing strong threats. Greenpeace notes that plastic pollution and overfishing may be contributing to irreversible damage to the world's oceans. Confronting the challenges posed to the world's oceans may seem like a daunting task, but the NOAA notes that the following are some of the many ways ordinary citizens can do their part to help the oceans.

· Conserve water. Consuming less water results in less runoff. Less runoff leads to less wastewater eventually finding its way into the oceans. Conserving water also has the added benefit of saving people money on their monthly water bills.

· Become a more con scientious consumer. When purchasing products with chemicals in them, such as household cleaners, choose items with nontoxic chemicals and always dispose of chemicals properly. Purchase fewer plastics and bring reusable bags to the grocery store instead of relying on single-use, disposable plastic bags. When shopping for seafood, choose sustainable seafood.

· Reduce waste. Be mindful of what you throw away, making a concerted effort to reduce what you discard.

· Reduce vehicle pollution. Reduce vehicle waste and pollution by choosing a fuel-efficient car or truckwhen purchasing your next vehicle. In addition, make a concerted effort to drive less, as exhaust fumes are not the only ways vehicles are harming the world's oceans. A 2020 study published in the journal Nature Communications found that microplastics released from car tires and brake systems are a significant source of marine plastic pollution. Reducing reliance on vehicles like cars and trucks can help reduce the amount of microplastics, which can be deposited in oceans thousands of miles away from where they were originated, that find their way into the world's oceans.

· Consume less energy. Another way to save money and help the world's oceans is to make energy efficiency a greater priority. Choose energy efficient products when shopping for everything from light bulbs to refrigerators. Fossil fuels are burned to help create electricity, and the burning of fossil fuels produces greenhouse gases that hurt the world's oceans. Energy efficient products consume less electricity, helping people save money on their utility bills and ensuring fewer greenhouse gases are entering the planet's atmosphere.

Oceans are vital to life on earth. Anyone, regardless of where they live, can take steps to protect the world's oceans.