By Vidun Nethsuka Peiris, a student at Gateway College, Negombo
Have you ever considered how much the oceans shape our everyday lives? Through the “Oceans in Our Lives” project, I discovered the surprising journeys of common items we often take for granted.
Take coffee, for example. Originating in Ethiopia, coffee beans travel across oceans to reach our cups, embodying a rich history of trade and cultural exchange. Each sip connects us to distant lands and traditions.
Then there’s cotton, found in our clothes. Grown in places like India and the United States, it is shipped worldwide, influencing fashion and economies. The fabric we wear carries the craftsmanship of diverse cultures.
Even our smartphones depend on materials sourced globally. Rare minerals like cobalt and lithium travel by sea, highlighting how intertwined technology is with ocean transport.
Exploring these connections deepened my appreciation for the oceans as bridges that link people, goods, and ideas. They are not just barriers but vital pathways for cultural exchange and economic growth.
Let’s celebrate the oceans and the stories they hold! By understanding the journeys of everyday items, we foster a greater respect for the vital role oceans play in our lives and the health of our planet.
