Last week, I had the incredible honor of participating in the NAPEX First Day of Issue Ceremony for the United Nations Postal Administration’s stamp commemorating World Oceans Day 2013.

The U.N. partnered with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to develop the stamps, which showcase the timeless characters of Dr. Seuss’ book, “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.” Celebrating our connection with the ocean, the stamps remind us of how important it is to protect it.

The stamps—issued in three different currencies: U.S. dollars, Swiss francs and euros—are a further representation of the central role the ocean plays in our lives, regardless of what city, state or country we call home. “From near to far, from here to there,” as the stamps say, our ocean is everywhere.

For me, this sentiment is never more true than when we release the data we collect each year during our International Coastal Cleanup. After analyzing more than 10 million pounds of trash collected from beaches and waterways all over the world, our top 10 list includes items we use every day, from cigarette butts to food wrappers to plastic beverage bottles. That means ocean trash is a preventable problem that we can all have an impact in solving.

These stamps are a perfect reminder—especially when we are consumed with the hustle and bustle of our busy lives—that we each play a role in protecting our ocean. So let’s celebrate this World Oceans Day by making a conscious effort to help keep the ocean healthy.

You can start with small steps by downloading Rippl, Ocean Conservancy’s free mobile application that helps you make simple, sustainable lifestyle choices.