If you’ve ever watched Finding Nemo, you likely remember “Crush” — the mellow, wave-riding sea turtle who won hearts with his surfer lingo and chill vibe. At Crush Botanicals, our name honors this iconic turtle not just for his charisma, but because turtles themselves are incredible — ancient, essential, and sadly, endangered. So this World Turtle Day, let’s dive into: why they matter, what’s threatening them, and how we can all help protect turtles through conscious choices.
Something not many people know, our brand name was actually inspired by the beloved sea turtle from Finding Nemo. As a child, it was (and still is) my favorite thing to watch, it made me interested in wildlife and care about it, which later lead to the passion I have towards the planet and the creatures that live on it with us. Crush Botanicals reflects the laid-back wisdom and deep environmental connection turtles represent. In many cultures, turtles symbolize longevity, harmony, and Earthly balance — values that inspire our commitment to natural, eco-conscious products. Supporting clean beauty isn’t just about skincare; it’s about helping protect ecosystems, including the ones our turtle friends rely on.
What is World Turtle Day?
Celebrated every year on May 23, World Turtle Day was founded by the American Tortoise Rescue to raise awareness about turtle conservation and habitat protection. It’s a time to reflect on the plight of turtles worldwide and take action toward their survival. With nearly 60% of turtle species threatened or extinct according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this awareness is more critical than ever.
Surprising Turtle Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
Let’s get to know these reptiles beyond the shell:
- Ancient Survivors: Turtles have existed for over 200 million years — longer than most dinosaurs.
- Epic Travelers: Some sea turtles migrate over 10,000 miles annually to nest and feed, a feat unmatched by most marine species.
- Gender by Temperature: Nest temperatures determine a hatchling’s sex. Warmer sand yields more females, which climate change is now skewing.
- Built-in Saline Solutions: Sea turtles “cry” to excrete excess salt from their eyes — This adaptation helps them maintain internal salt balance while living in seawater.
- Cloacal Breathing: Some freshwater turtles can absorb oxygen through their rear ends. Weird? Maybe a little bit. Just makes you love them even more.
Why Turtles Matter for Our Ecosystem
Turtles are far more than beautiful — they’re keystone species whose ecological roles are vital:
- Seagrass Gardeners: Green sea turtles help maintain seagrass beds by grazing, which promotes healthy marine biodiversity.
- Jellyfish Patrol: Leatherback turtles feed almost exclusively on jellyfish, helping to keep populations in check.
- Nutrient Distributors: Unhatched turtle eggs enrich coastal ecosystems with nutrients, stabilizing sand dunes and supporting native vegetation.
- Freshwater Cleanup Crew: River and pond turtles consume carrion and plant debris, contributing to aquatic health.
The Dangers Turtles Face
Turtles are resilient but face a barrage of threats, largely due to human activity:
- Plastic Pollution: Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish. Ingested plastic can block digestive tracts or cause starvation (NOAA Marine Sanctuary Foundation).
- Habitat Loss: Urbanization, tourism, and coastal development disrupt nesting grounds and migration paths.
- Climate Change: Rising sea levels and warming sand alter nesting sites and skew hatchling gender ratios.
- Fishing Bycatch: Thousands of turtles die annually when trapped in fishing gear like trawls and gillnets (NOAA Fisheries).
- Illegal Trade: Despite protections, turtles are trafficked for their meat, shells, and use in traditional medicine.
How You Can Help Protect Turtles
Feeling helpless? Don’t. You don’t need a marine biology degree to make a difference. Here are real-world ways you can help protect turtles:
- Ditch Single-Use Plastics – Say no to plastic bags, straws, and microbeads. Instead, choose reusable containers, cloth shopping bags, and plastic-free packaging whenever possible.
- Choose Turtle-Safe Seafood – Buy seafood certified by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), which enforces turtle-friendly fishing practices.
- Respect Nesting Beaches – If you visit a beach where turtles nest, keep it clean and dark at night. Artificial lights disorient hatchlings, and trash can entangle them.
- Use Eco-Friendly Products – Many sunscreens and personal care products contain chemicals that damage coral reefs and marine life.
- Support Turtle Conservation – Donate to or volunteer with organizations like the SEE Turtles or WIDECAST, which directly support turtle rescue and protection efforts around the globe. Whenever you visit places populated by turtles for a holiday in the future, have a look for organizations that offer volunteer days; you get to spend a few hours of your day helping turtles and spend time with them.
Later this year, we will be visiting the Gili Islands and spend a day with lovely people helping turtle hatchlings survive and thrive and we can’t wait to tell you about it after we come back
Protect Turtles, Protect the Planet
When we protect turtles, we protect entire ecosystems. Their survival supports ocean health, which in turn supports human life. It’s all connected.
This World Turtle Day, join us in celebrating turtles not just as lovable characters, but as the ancient, essential beings they truly are. Whether you’re skipping the straw, spreading awareness, or choosing cleaner skincare, you’re taking part in something bigger: ensuring that turtles — and the world they help balance — have a future
So here’s to going slow, living consciously, and honoring the wild wisdom of turtles. May we all be a little more like Crush: calm, cool, and cruising through life with care. Happy World Turtle Day — let’s protect turtles, one kind choice at a time.