Ocean Pollution: Ways To Get Involved And Make A Difference

Ocean pollution is a pressing issue that poses a serious threat to the health and well-being of our planet. With oceans accounting for 70% of the Earth's surface and playing a pivotal role in the health of our ecosystem, it is essential that we address this issue. The good news is that there are many ways that individuals can get involved in tackling ocean pollution. From reducing our use of single-use plastics to supporting organisations dedicated to ocean clean-up efforts, every small action can make a difference. Here are some ways to get involved and help protect our oceans.

Reduce single-use plastics

Reducing single-use plastics is one of the most effective ways to tackle ocean pollution. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Refuse, Reduce, Reuse

The first step is to refuse any single-use plastics that you do not need, such as straws, plastic bags, takeout utensils and containers, and disposable cutlery. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives like totes, garment bags, silverware, travel mugs, and reusable grocery, produce, and garment bags. It only takes a few times of bringing your own reusable items before it becomes a habit.

Support Legislation

Encourage your local government to introduce or support legislation that discourages the use of single-use plastics. Advocate for smart laws and regulations that limit or eliminate single-use plastics and ensure they don't end up in the ocean.

Support Businesses Taking Action

Support companies that adopt alternatives to single-use plastics. From multinational corporations to local restaurants, every business can make a difference.

Make Your Voice Heard

As a consumer, you have a powerful voice. If you believe a company could reduce its plastic packaging, let them know. Write a letter, tag them on social media, or take your money elsewhere and support more sustainable competitors.

Participate in Cleanups

Get involved in beach or river cleanups to remove plastics from the ocean and prevent more from entering. You can join an existing cleanup initiative or organize your own with friends, family, or your community.

Support legislation to curb plastic production

While individual actions are important, they are not enough to tackle the issue of plastic pollution in our oceans. We need to support legislation that curbs plastic production and waste, improves waste management, and holds plastic producers responsible for the waste they generate.

At the international level, a global plastics treaty has been enacted by United Nations member states, which will set global rules and regulations to reduce plastic pollution. This includes legislation that limits, taxes, or bans unnecessary single-use plastic items, such as plastic bags, takeout containers, and bottles.

In the United States, there have been several legislative efforts to address plastic pollution. The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021 is a comprehensive federal bill that aims to tackle 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 and packaging at the end of their life cycle.

One example of successful legislation is the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act passed in New York State. This act aims to reduce plastic packaging by 50% over 12 years, prohibit the use of toxic chemicals in packaging, and establish fees on packaging producers to support local taxpayers.

You can support similar legislation in your community and spread awareness about the importance of curbing plastic production to protect our oceans. It is crucial to advocate for laws that address plastic pollution at all levels of government, from local to international.

By supporting and advocating for legislation that targets plastic production and waste management, we can make a significant impact in reducing plastic pollution in our oceans and protecting marine life and ecosystems.

Dispose of trash properly

Disposing of trash properly is one of the most important things we can do to prevent ocean pollution. This means ensuring that rubbish is placed in the correct bins and that recycling is separated correctly. It also means being mindful of the products we buy and ensuring they are disposed of responsibly. For example, choosing non-toxic chemicals and correctly disposing of herbicides, pesticides, and cleaning products.

It is also important to reduce waste and cut down on single-use plastics. This can be done by buying less plastic, bringing a reusable bag, and choosing sustainable seafood. We can also reduce waste by buying only what we need and using products for their full lifespan.

Another way to ensure we are disposing of trash properly is to get involved in community initiatives. This could include volunteering for cleanups at the beach, riverbanks, or in your local community. These initiatives help to prevent plastic from reaching the ocean and can be a fun way to get involved in protecting the environment.

Finally, it is important to educate others about the proper disposal of trash. This includes teaching the next generation about the importance of clean oceans and the impact of plastic pollution. By spreading awareness and knowledge, we can all work together to ensure that trash is disposed of properly and ocean pollution is reduced.

Reduce vehicle emissions

Vehicle emissions are a significant contributor to ocean pollution, and there are several ways to reduce their impact on the marine environment. Firstly, it is important to choose fuel-efficient vehicles. When shopping for a new car, look for vehicles with low greenhouse gas emissions, such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, or cleaner-burning gasoline vehicles. These cars are more environmentally friendly and can also save you money on fuel costs.

Another way to reduce vehicle emissions is to optimise home deliveries. When shopping online, request that all your packages be delivered in one shipment with minimal packaging. For scheduled deliveries, choosing a longer time window allows delivery trucks to optimise their routes and avoid unnecessary trips. Additionally, consider walking, biking, or using public transportation whenever possible. Carpooling and ride-sharing are also effective ways to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and, consequently, vehicle emissions.

The way we drive can also impact emissions. Driving efficiently by avoiding aggressive acceleration and braking, as well as maintaining proper tyre pressure and keeping our vehicles well-maintained, can help reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. Observing speed limits and avoiding stop-and-go driving can also contribute to lower emissions.

Finally, we can support initiatives and policies that aim to reduce vehicle emissions. This includes advocating for stricter emissions standards, investing in renewable fuels, and promoting the development and adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles. By combining individual actions with support for broader systemic changes, we can make a significant impact in reducing vehicle emissions and their harmful effects on our oceans.

Conserve water

Conserving water is one of the most important things we can do to protect our oceans and the marine life that depends on them. Water conservation helps to reduce excess runoff and wastewater, which can carry harmful chemicals and pollutants into the ocean, threatening the lives of marine animals and damaging the wider ecosystem. Here are some ways to conserve water and protect our oceans:

• Take shorter showers: Reducing showering time by just one minute can save 1.8 gallons (8 litres) per shower.
• Use a rain barrel: Collect rainwater in a barrel to water your garden, or for other household tasks like washing or drinking (after purification).
• Turn off automatic watering systems: Turn off automatic watering systems in your yard when it rains, and set a timer to limit their operation during dry seasons.
• Limit laundry days: Only run the washing machine when you have a full load. For smaller items, consider washing them by hand.
• Turn off the faucet: Remember to turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth or shaving. This can save up to 8 gallons (30 litres) of water per day.

By adopting these simple habits, we can significantly reduce our water consumption and minimise the amount of contaminated water that ends up in our oceans. This will help protect marine life and maintain the health of our oceans for future generations.

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