Small Actions, Big Impact: Ocean Pollution Solutions

Ocean pollution is a pressing issue that poses a serious threat to the health of our planet and its ecosystems. With billions of pounds of trash and other pollutants entering our oceans annually, it is essential to address this issue and find ways to mitigate its impact. The good news is that individuals can make a significant difference in the fight against ocean pollution by adopting a few simple habits and behaviours. From reducing single-use plastics and properly disposing of waste to supporting sustainable seafood practices and advocating for ocean protection legislation, every small act can lead to substantial positive change. By working together and making conscious choices, we can protect and conserve our oceanic ecosystems for future generations.

Reduce single-use plastics

Single-use plastics are a major contributor to ocean pollution. They include items such as plastic bags, straws, bottles, and to-go containers. These items are used only briefly but persist in the environment for centuries, ending up in landfills or the ocean.

Reusable Alternatives

• Use a refillable water bottle instead of buying bottled water.
• Bring your own reusable bags when grocery shopping or picking up food.
• Carry a reusable coffee mug, cup, utensils, and food storage container when on the go.
• Use a reusable straw, or refuse straws altogether.
• Opt for reusable bottles and utensils when dining out or ordering takeout.

Reduce Plastic Packaging

• Choose products with minimal packaging or recyclable packaging.
• Shop in bulk using your own containers for items like flour, nuts, dried fruit, and cereal.
• Buy loose produce instead of plastic-wrapped items.
• Choose paper boxes over plastic bags, and wide-mouth glass jars over plastic bottles.
• Select cleaning products in bar, tablet, powder, or concentrated form, which use less packaging.

Advocate for Change

• Support policies and legislation that limit the use of single-use plastics and hold manufacturers accountable for their packaging and its health impacts.
• Advocate for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, which pressures producers to reduce toxins and prohibit the use of non-recyclable plastics.
• Support local restaurants and businesses that have ditched single-use plastics.

Dispose of trash properly

Properly disposing of trash is one of the most important things people can do to reduce ocean pollution. This includes both general waste and recycling.

When disposing of general waste, it is important to use designated bins and ensure that waste is secured and cannot be blown or washed into the ocean. This is especially important when near the ocean, at beaches, or in parks. People should also consider composting organic waste, which helps reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and, potentially, the ocean.

Recycling is also essential to keeping waste out of the ocean. People should always recycle items that can be recycled, and check with their local recycling center about the types of materials and plastics they accept. Currently, only 9% of plastic is recycled worldwide, so increasing this figure will have a significant impact on reducing ocean pollution.

People should also support proper waste disposal practices in their communities. This includes supporting organizations that promote sustainable waste management practices and legislation that improves waste management and makes plastic producers responsible for the waste they generate.

By disposing of trash properly and encouraging others to do the same, people can make a significant difference in the fight against ocean pollution.

Avoid products with microbeads

Microbeads are tiny plastic particles, typically measuring between one micrometre and one millimetre in diameter. They are commonly added to personal care and cosmetic products such as face washes, exfoliating scrubs, toothpaste, moisturisers, lotions, deodorants, sunscreens, and makeup products. These tiny plastic particles are designed to be rinsed down the drain and, due to their small size, they pass through the filters of wastewater treatment plants, eventually ending up in oceans and other water bodies.

The presence of microbeads in oceans and waterways has significant negative consequences for marine life and ecosystems. Being so small, microbeads are often ingested by marine animals, who mistake them for food. This leads to digestive blockages and can cause pain, an inability to eat, and even death. Additionally, the plastic in microbeads attracts and absorbs toxic chemicals, further threatening the health of marine wildlife and, ultimately, human health as toxins accumulate up the food chain.

Given the harmful effects of microbeads, it is essential that individuals take action to avoid using products containing them. Here are some ways to address this issue:

• Check product ingredients: When purchasing personal care or cosmetic products, carefully read the ingredient list. Avoid products that include microplastics such as Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and Nylon (PA).
• Opt for natural alternatives: Instead of using products with microbeads, choose natural exfoliants like oats, salt, yoghurt, sugar, or coffee grounds. These natural alternatives provide the same exfoliating benefits without the environmental harm.
• Support microbead-free brands: Some cosmetic companies, such as Unilever, have pledged to phase out the use of microbeads in their products. By supporting and purchasing from these brands, you can encourage more companies to follow suit.
• Advocate for legislation: While some countries have implemented bans on microbeads in certain products, there are still loopholes and a lack of comprehensive regulations. Contact your local representatives and voice your support for stronger legislation to ban the use of microbeads in all products.
• Educate others: Spread awareness about the harmful effects of microbeads and encourage friends, family, and peers to avoid products containing them. By educating others, you can create a collective impact and contribute to a wider movement for change.

By following these steps and avoiding products with microbeads, individuals can play a crucial role in reducing ocean pollution and protecting marine life.

Support sustainable seafood practices

Sustainable seafood is seafood that is sourced in a way that does not contribute to the harm of marine ecosystems. Overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices are major contributors to ocean pollution. Supporting sustainable seafood practices is one of the ways people can make a difference in ocean pollution. Here are some ways to support sustainable seafood practices:

Shop Wisely

When buying seafood, look for sustainably sourced seafood. This means choosing seafood that has been caught or farmed with minimal social and environmental impact on the marine ecosystem. Seafood marked as "sustainable" has likely been caught or farmed with compliance to relevant laws and regulations. It may also mean that the business has passed hazard analyses, complied with government regulations, developed a seafood quality program, and employed good manufacturing practices and sanitation standard operating procedures. Look for certifications from independent organizations such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), MarinTrust, and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP). These certifications ensure that the seafood you're purchasing is from a sustainable source.

Reduce Seafood Consumption

Consider reducing your overall consumption of seafood, especially species that are overfished or caught using unsustainable methods. By decreasing demand, you can help reduce the pressure on marine ecosystems and give fish populations a chance to recover.

Support Sustainable Fishing Practices

Look for organizations that promote and support sustainable fishing practices. This may include groups that advocate for the protection of marine ecosystems, responsible fishing regulations, and the conservation of fish species. Get involved, volunteer, or donate to support their efforts.

Practice Responsible Fishing

If you enjoy fishing, practice responsible fishing methods such as catch and release to help conserve fish populations. Follow regulations and respect marine habitats to ensure the long-term health of species populations and ecosystems.

Spread Awareness

Educate others about the importance of supporting sustainable seafood practices. Share your knowledge with friends, family, and the community to create a wider impact. Encourage them to make informed choices when purchasing seafood and to support sustainable fishing practices.

Reduce energy consumption

Reducing energy consumption is an important step in the fight against ocean pollution. While it may not seem directly linked, our energy consumption habits have a significant impact on the health of our oceans. Here are some ways we can reduce energy consumption to help protect our marine ecosystems:

Choose Energy-Efficient Options

Opt for energy-efficient appliances, light bulbs, and vehicles. These products are designed to use less energy to perform the same tasks, reducing our overall energy consumption. Energy-efficient light bulbs, for instance, use 25%-80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last longer, resulting in less waste. Similarly, when it comes to transportation, we can choose fuel-efficient vehicles or opt for carpooling and public transportation to reduce our carbon footprint.

Reduce and Conserve Energy

Simple actions such as turning off lights and electronics when not in use can make a significant difference. By being mindful of our energy use, we can reduce our carbon emissions and, in turn, help combat ocean acidification caused by these emissions. This includes unplugging chargers, turning off appliances at the power source, and using smart power strips that automatically cut power to electronics when they're fully charged or turned off.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Upgrading to more energy-efficient appliances can also help reduce energy consumption. Older appliances tend to be less efficient and may use more energy to operate. By investing in newer, more efficient models, we can reduce our environmental impact. This includes appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and air conditioners.

Adjust Your Thermostat

Another way to reduce energy consumption is to be mindful of our thermostat settings. By avoiding excessive heating or cooling and setting the thermostat to energy-saving temperatures, we can reduce the amount of energy used for temperature control. Small adjustments can make a significant difference in energy usage over time.

Embrace Renewable Energy Sources

Where possible, we can also transition to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power. These sources typically produce fewer carbon emissions and help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute to ocean pollution through carbon emissions and oil spills.

By implementing these energy-saving measures, we can play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the harmful effects of ocean acidification on marine life. It's important to remember that individual actions add up and contribute to a collective impact on ocean health.

Frequently asked questions