🎃 Trick or Treat? The Ocean’s October Calendar

By Vicki Patterson

This October, we’re taking a playful twist on a serious subject with our 

Trick or Treat Calendar.

Each day of the month, we reveal either a “trick”—an example of greenwashing or misleading marketing that makes products seem more sustainable than they are or a “treat,”a real story of progress, hope and positive action happening for our ocean.

Why the mix? Because the conversation around ocean conservation often swings between doom and hope and both matter. By pointing out the tricks, we help sharpen our awareness and teach ourselves to ask better questions. By celebrating the treats, we remind each other that change is possible, solutions are working, and people everywhere are stepping up for the ocean.

From sea turtle nests rising in Florida to youth banning single-use cutlery in their schools, from mangroves being replanted to marine sanctuaries expanding off our coast, these daily treats show us that progress is real.

At the same time, the tricks—like “eco-friendly” labels without certification or “compostable” plastics that only break down in special facilities, help us recognize when companies are more interested in marketing than in meaningful impact.

So this month, follow along with us. Share the calendar with friends, family and coworkers.

Use it as a conversation starter around the dinner table or in the classroom.

And remember: together, we can call out the tricks while celebrating and supporting the treats that keep our ocean and our communities thriving!

🎃 OCTOBER 'TRICK OR TREAT' CALENDAR 

1 – Trick: Products labeled “eco-friendly” with no certification

2 – Treat: Coral reefs in the Caribbean show signs of regrowth!

3 – Trick: Fast fashion brands advertising “sustainable” lines made of plastic

4 – Treat: Beach cleanup volunteers removed 17,000 lbs of debris in Dana Point!

5 – Trick: “Compostable” plastics that only break down in industrial facilities

6 – Treat: Sea turtle nests are increasing on Florida beaches

7 – Trick: Water bottles labeled “BPA-free” but still made of harmful plastics

8 – Treat: Local ordinance passed banning plastic bags in a coastal towns

9 – Trick: Ocean-scented cleaners that harm aquatic life

10 – Treat: New wave-powered devices cleaning microplastics from harbors

11 – Trick: Carbon offset claims that aren't verified or traceable

12 – Treat: Net Your Problem -a nonprofit that recycled 1 million pounds of fishing nets

13 – Trick: Biodegradable doesn’t mean ocean-safe!

14 – Treat: Ocean farming boosts biodiversity and captures carbon

15 – Trick: Brands promoting recycling while over-packaging products

16 – Treat: In Florida about 7,100 mangroves have been replanted

17 – Trick: “Natural” labeled sunscreen that still harms coral reefs

18 – Treat: Humpback whales in Australia are making a strong recovery

19 – Trick: Reusable tote bags made of polyester that shed microplastics

20 – Treat: In several communities, youth-led movements have successfully helped ban

single-use plastic cutlery or utensils

21 – Trick: Ocean-themed products that donate only 1% or less to the cause

22 – Treat: Scientists are developing biodegradable nets to prevent ghost fishing

23 – Trick: Cruise lines tout “green” upgrades while dumping waste offshore

24 – Treat: Starbucks offers discounts when customers bring reusable cups

25 – Trick: Eco-packaging wrapped in layers of plastic

26 – Treat: Sea grass meadows restored to help fight climate change

27 – Trick: Apps that promote “clean oceans” but share no impact data

28 – Treat: Fluke: A Tale of Plastic is made from 100% recycled / reclaimed materials

29 – Trick: “Plant-based” doesn’t mean plastic-free

30 – Treat: Marine sanctuaries expanded off the West Coast

🎃 31 – Trick & Treat Combo:

Trick: Greenwashed Halloween candy wrappers labeled “eco” friendly without

certification

Treat: You reused your costume and brought a reusable bag!

💬 Have one we forgot? Add it to the comments to continue this conversation!