Solving Ocean Pollution: Strategies To Save Our Seas

Ocean pollution is a pressing issue that poses a serious threat to marine life and ecosystems. With millions of tons of plastic and other debris polluting our oceans, it is essential to address this problem. The impact of ocean pollution is far-reaching, affecting not only marine animals but also our climate and health. While the task of tackling ocean pollution may seem daunting, there are effective solutions that can be implemented on both a global and individual scale to make a significant difference. From stricter government regulations to simple lifestyle changes, we can work together to reduce pollution and protect our oceans for future generations.

Reduce single-use plastics

Reducing single-use plastics is one of the most effective ways to tackle ocean pollution. Single-use plastics include plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, utensils, dry cleaning bags, takeaway containers, and any other plastic items that are used once and then discarded. Here are some ways to reduce the use of single-use plastics:

Refuse and Replace

Refuse any single-use plastics that you do not need, such as straws, plastic bags, takeaway utensils, and takeaway containers. Instead, purchase and carry reusable versions of these products, including reusable grocery bags, produce bags, bottles, utensils, coffee cups, and dry cleaning garment bags.

Support Businesses Offering Alternatives

When you refuse single-use plastic items, let businesses know that you would like them to offer alternatives. This helps encourage businesses to adopt more sustainable practices and reduces the demand for single-use plastics.

Support Legislation to Curb Plastic Production and Waste

Support local, national, and international legislation that aims to reduce plastic production, improve waste management, and hold plastic producers accountable for the waste they generate. For example, the 2021 Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act in the United States is a comprehensive federal bill addressing the plastic pollution crisis. Additionally, there are state-level initiatives to introduce extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation, making plastic producers and distributors responsible for their products' entire life cycle.

Participate in Cleanups

Join or organize cleanups of your local beach or waterway to remove plastics from the ocean and prevent them from entering in the first place. This is a direct and rewarding way to fight ocean plastic pollution.

Avoid Products Containing Microbeads

Microbeads are tiny plastic particles found in some face scrubs, toothpastes, and body washes. They easily enter our oceans and waterways through sewer systems and harm marine life. Opt for products with natural exfoliants, like oatmeal or salt, instead.

Support Organizations Addressing Plastic Pollution

There are many non-profit organizations working to reduce and eliminate ocean plastic pollution, such as the Oceanic Society, Plastic Pollution Coalition, and Plastic Soup Foundation. Support their efforts by donating or volunteering your time.

Support legislation to curb plastic production

The best way to fight ocean pollution is to support legislation that curbs plastic production and waste management. While individual actions are important, they are insufficient to address the ocean plastic pollution crisis. Thus, supporting legislation that reduces plastic production and improves waste management is crucial.

At the international level, a global plastics treaty has been enacted, signed by 175 United Nations member states, to set global rules and regulations to reduce plastic pollution. This treaty aims to address the plastic pollution crisis on a global scale and holds plastic manufacturers responsible for their products and packaging at the end of their life cycle.

In the United States, the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, sponsored by Senator Jeff Merkley and Representative Alan Lowenthal, aims to curb plastic pollution by making producers accountable, banning certain single-use plastic products, and pausing permits for new plastics plants. This legislation is a response to projections that global plastic production will triple by 2050, significantly contributing to environmental and public health issues.

Additionally, extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation has been introduced at the state level, making plastic producers and distributors responsible for their products and packaging. This type of legislation ensures that manufacturers take back their plastic items for reuse, recycling, or proper disposal, increasing recycling rates and preventing plastic waste from entering landfills and natural environments.

To further reduce plastic consumption and pollution, laws banning or taxing single-use plastic items such as bags, straws, and takeout containers have been successfully enacted in many places globally. These laws not only reduce plastic waste but also encourage the use of reusable alternatives, helping to keep plastics out of the ocean.

By supporting and advocating for these types of legislation, individuals can play a crucial role in curbing plastic production and tackling the ocean plastic pollution crisis. It is important to stay informed about local, national, and international legislative efforts to reduce plastic pollution and to support politicians and organizations working towards these goals.

Avoid products with microbeads

Microbeads are small pieces of plastic, with a diameter of less than 5mm. They are commonly added to rinse-off cosmetic, personal care, and cleaning products. Due to their small size, they are not captured by most wastewater treatment systems and end up in oceans, rivers, and lakes. They are consumed by smaller marine life and work their way up the food chain, eventually ending up on our plates.

To avoid contributing to this issue, it is important to be aware of the products that commonly contain microbeads and choose alternatives instead. Here are some tips to help you avoid products with microbeads:

• Check the ingredient list: Look for ingredients such as polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). These are common microbead ingredients. The Beat the Microbead campaign has compiled a list of 67 microplastic ingredients to look out for, which you can find on their website.
• Use natural alternatives: Instead of using products with microbeads for exfoliation, opt for natural alternatives such as oatmeal or ground oats. These alternatives are more environmentally friendly and often provide a better exfoliating effect due to their grittier texture.
• Look for the 'Zero Plastic Inside' logo: Over 150 brands have been certified and given this logo for producing microplastic-free products. Choosing these products ensures you are not contributing to microbead pollution.
• Download the Beat the Microbead app: This free app allows you to scan your cosmetic and care products to check for the presence of microplastics.
• Support legislation and campaigns: Support campaigns like Beat the Microbead, which aim to ban the use of microplastics in cosmetic products. Additionally, support legislation that aims to reduce plastic production and improve waste management practices.

By following these tips, you can help reduce the amount of microbeads entering our oceans and protect marine life and the environment. Remember, even small changes can have a big impact in the fight against ocean pollution.

Cut down on agricultural pesticides

Agricultural pesticides are indispensable in agricultural production, used to control weeds and insects. However, they can be toxic to other organisms, including birds, fish, and beneficial insects, and contaminate the environment, including air, water, soil, and crops.

The impact of pesticides on the environment and human health

Pesticides can have a negative impact on the environment and human health. They can be toxic to birds, fish, and beneficial insects, and contaminate the air, water, soil, and crops.

The role of pesticides in agriculture

Pesticides play a critical role in reducing diseases and increasing crop yields worldwide. About one-third of agricultural products are produced using pesticides. Without the use of pesticides, there would be a significant loss in fruit, vegetable, and cereal production.

Reducing pesticide use

Reducing pesticide use is a complex issue, as most of the agri-food sector relies on pesticides. However, there are several strategies that can be implemented to reduce pesticide use:

• Redesign cropping systems: This involves implementing agroecological principles and enhancing prophylaxis, which includes all technical actions taken to prevent the occurrence, spread, or damage of pests. This can include practices such as flowerbeds at the edge of fields to provide habitat and food resources for natural pest controllers, lower plant densities to create a more airy microclimate, and diversification of crop sequences.
• Diversify biocontrol strategies: Biocontrol refers to pest-control methods that use living organisms or substances produced by living organisms. Diversifying biocontrol strategies can include methods such as mating disruption, push-pull strategies, and plant-defense elicitors.
• Broaden the scope of plant breeding: This includes selecting crop varieties that are more resistant to pests and diseases, as well as considering the functional biodiversity and evolutionary ecology concepts in breeding programs.
• Set new goals for agricultural machinery and digital technologies: Agricultural equipment should be modified to facilitate the transition to pesticide-free practices, and digital technologies should be used to optimize pest control and improve epidemiological surveillance.
• Implement public policies and private initiatives: This includes policies such as pesticide taxation, as well as private initiatives like innovation networks and web platforms that foster information exchange between farmers.

The role of research in reducing pesticide use

Agricultural research has a critical role to play in reducing pesticide use. This includes developing new research fronts that are oriented toward zero-pesticide use, such as:

• Producing knowledge, methods, and tools needed to target pesticide-free agriculture.
• Enhancing systemic research and designing and scaling up combinations of techniques.
• Connecting research and innovation to overcome the "fixation effect" and enable thinking outside the box.
• Involving social sciences to study socio-economic obstacles and social organizations that can enhance the development of disruptive innovations.
• Encouraging interdisciplinarity and risk-taking in research funding and recognition.
• Transforming the research and innovation system to support the transition to pesticide-free agriculture.

Reduce carbon emissions

Carbon emissions are a significant contributor to ocean pollution, and reducing them is crucial to protecting marine life and ecosystems. Here are some ways to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate their impact on the oceans:

Reduce Energy Consumption

One way to reduce carbon emissions is by decreasing energy consumption. This can be achieved through various means, such as:

• Carpooling, walking, or riding a bike: Opting for carpooling or choosing more sustainable modes of transportation like walking or biking can significantly reduce carbon emissions from vehicles.
• Using high-efficiency appliances: Switching to energy-efficient appliances and electronics can reduce the amount of energy consumed and lower carbon emissions.

Transition to Renewable Energy Sources

Shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is essential for reducing carbon emissions.

Wind and solar power: Investing in wind and solar power generation can help limit off-shore drilling and reduce carbon emissions associated with fossil fuel extraction and combustion.

Improve Waste Management

Proper waste management practices can also contribute to reducing carbon emissions:

• Recycling and waste reduction: Recycling and reusing materials, especially plastics, can help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and the ocean. It also reduces the need for new plastic production, lowering overall carbon emissions.
• Proper sewage treatment: Implementing eco-friendly wastewater treatment options, such as recycling sewage sludge into carbon-phosphorous fertilizer, can reduce pollution and the carbon footprint associated with sewage treatment.

Reforestation and Forest Management

Trees play a vital role in absorbing and storing carbon dioxide:

• Reforestation: Planting trees and restoring damaged forest ecosystems can increase carbon uptake and sequestration, helping to remove carbon from the atmosphere.
• Urban reforestation: Increasing tree cover in urban areas can not only improve carbon sequestration but also provide cleaner air and water for local communities.

Direct Air Capture and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

In addition to reducing emissions, technologies are being developed to remove carbon directly from the atmosphere or capture it at the source:

• Direct air capture (DAC): DAC uses electrochemistry to strip CO2 from the air or seawater, preventing it from entering the ocean. The captured CO2 can then be stored underground or used to increase ocean alkalinity, enhancing its ability to absorb more CO2.
• Carbon capture and storage (CCS): CCS captures carbon emissions at their source, such as power plants or industrial facilities, and prevents them from entering the atmosphere.

Blue Carbon Ecosystems

Restoring and protecting coastal ecosystems, such as tidal salt marshes, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows, can have a significant impact on carbon sequestration:

Coastal ecosystem restoration: These ecosystems fix CO2 through photosynthesis and trap organic carbon in their roots and sediments for thousands of years. By restoring and preserving these ecosystems, we can increase carbon sequestration and provide numerous other benefits for both nature and humans.

Frequently asked questions