Dow Works With Jean-Michel Cousteau to Keep Our Oceans Healthy

Sea otters performing water ballets. Dolphins cavorting in the waves. Mighty whales breaching the ocean's surface. Who isn't attracted to such awesome sights?

Since time began, the ocean has drawn humans to its beauty and bounty, inviting us to explore new lands, and providing us with many of the foods, medicines and even the rainfall that we need to survive. Centuries of impact, however, are taking their toll, threatening important habitats and thus our future.

To protect this vital resource, Dow has created an alliance with Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society (OFS) to help educate the public, encourage responsible behaviors and provide opportunities to make a difference. Cousteau is the son of the late Jacques Cousteau, the pioneering explorer of the world's oceans and inventor of underwater breathing devices.

"Humans everywhere throw trash into the oceans and elsewhere without thinking about the impact it has on marine life or on humans for that matter," said Cousteau. "The health of our oceans and underwater habitats is directly connected to the survival of all life on Earth, so it's critical that we work together to develop sustainable solutions — starting with education."

As the alliance's first step, Dow is underwriting a television series entitled Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Adventures, which combines thrilling underwater adventure with messages about ecology. The series, produced by OFS and KQED broadcasting, will air on public broadcasting stations in the United States in Spring 2006.

"This series will help build awareness about our oceans and encourage everyone to play a role in keeping them healthy," said Romeo Kreinberg, senior vice president, Plastics. "Meanwhile, Dow will continue to use science and technology to offer sustainable solutions that help protect ocean habitats and our freshwater supply."

For example, Dow offers FILMTEC™ reverse osmosis membranes that improve the quality of our freshwater supply, plastics for pipes that help conserve water, and packaging materials that are easily recycled with the help of the public to minimize the impact on the environment.

The "Don't Be a Beach Bum" Lesson Plans have been created as a guide to focus on ways that everyone can help — through awareness, action and responsible living.

Follow the links to the teacher sections:

5th – 8th Grade
9th – 12th Grade

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