World Oceans Day 2025: 13 Eco Swaps that Matter

ach year on June 8, the world comes together to celebrate World Oceans Day, a global reminder of the critical role oceans play in sustaining life. They produce more than half our oxygen, regulate the climate, and support over 3 billion people’s livelihoods.

But the ocean is under siege: a staggering 11 million tonnes of plastic enter our seas annually, and every day, the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks dump plastic into waterways. With a UN theme this year of “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us”, we are reminded that our actions matter, and plastic-free choices serve as tangible love letters to our blue planet.

Enter Qalara, your lifestyle destination that offers a unique range of ocean-conscious living. From cork to hemp and upcycled shells, this range of consciously crafted products replaces plastic and celebrates craftsmanship.

In this guide, we will walk you through 13 Earth-kind swaps that are easy to adopt and kind to the planet.

• 13 Eco Swaps from Qalara

1. Steel Straw

Ditch single-use plastic straws for this sleek steel alternative. It is reusable, easy to clean, and built to last, cutting down on everyday waste without compromising on style.

2. Copper Bottle

Say goodbye to plastic bottles and hello to a centuries-old Indian wellness staple. Naturally antimicrobial and plastic-free, these copper bottles keep water cool and fresh the toxin-free way.

3. Bamboo Straw

Lightweight, 100% biodegradable, and handcrafted, bamboo straws are the perfect swap for plastic. They are compostable after use and kind to both oceans and landfills.

4. Coconut Fiber Dish Scrubber

Made from waste coconut husk, this zero-waste scrubber is tough on grime and gentle on the planet. Unlike plastic scrub pads, it is fully compostable and microplastic-free.

5. Handmade Ecomix Candle Holder

Crafted from recycled paper pulp, chalk, and natural adhesives, this eco-chic candle holder is a low-waste décor pick that keeps plastic and resin out of your living space.

6. Classic Cork Coasters

These cork coasters protect your table without leaving a trace. Naturally water-resistant, biodegradable, and tree-friendly, they are a beautiful alternative to synthetic ones.

7. Cork Boat-Shaped Planter

Add greenery without the plastic. This lightweight cork planter is breathable, natural, and compostable, making your plant corner that much more sustainable.

8. Cork Placemats

Say no to PVC placemats. These hand-cut cork ones are soft, heat-resistant, and biodegradable, bringing warmth and sustainability to your dining table.

9. Papier-Mâché Ecomix Vase

This sculptural vase is made from upcycled paper and natural binders, offering a plastic-free way to elevate your décor with handmade artistry and zero guilt.

10. Handcrafted Coconut Shell Bowl

Crafted from reclaimed coconut shells, this bowl is a great plastic-free option for snacks or smoothies. It is natural, food-safe, and fully compostable once retired.

11. Handmade Cork Recycled Paper Diary

This diary blends cork’s earthy charm with recycled paper pages, making it a conscious choice over plastic-laminated notebooks. Good for journaling, even better for the planet!

12. Handmade Hemp Storage Basket

Move over plastic baskets, this sturdy hemp basket is breathable, biodegradable, and stylishly handmade. It stores your essentials without storing up pollution!

13. Cork Wine Tray

Elegant and eco-friendly, this cork wine tray is soft, slip-proof, and biodegradable. A perfect replacement for plastic trays, functional, sustainable, and tree-friendly.

• Why it matters: Stats revisited

If we don’t act now, plastic pollution in our oceans could triple to 37 million tonnes annually by 2040. Shockingly, only 2.8% of the ocean is effectively protected today.

Meanwhile, coral reefs, home to a quarter of all marine life, are under siege. Rising ocean temperatures and excess carbon dioxide are fueling mass bleaching and reef death. The solution? Slash emissions fast and keep global warming below 1.5°C to give reefs a fighting chance.

• From Wonder to action

This World Oceans Day, Qalara invites you not just to celebrate but to act! With these 13 eco swaps, rooted in natural, biodegradable materials, you can reduce plastic pollution, foster sustainable craft, and protect marine life. Let’s turn wonder into action, because sustaining our oceans starts at home.

~ Written by Shambhavi

World Oceans Day 2025: 13 Eco Swaps that Matter