Cleaning Our Oceans: Innovative Solutions To Pollution

The health of our oceans is under serious threat from plastic pollution. With plastic production skyrocketing and recycling rates low, between 4 and 12 million metric tons of plastic are entering the ocean each year. This is having a devastating impact on marine wildlife and ecosystems, with more than 100,000 marine animals falling victim to plastic pollution annually.

To address this urgent issue, a range of solutions are being explored, from individual behaviour changes to innovative technologies and policy interventions. Here's an overview of some key strategies to clean up our oceans and protect marine environments:

- Stopping plastic pollution at the source: This involves preventing waste from entering rivers and coastlines, where most plastic waste originates.

- Beach and river cleanups: Volunteers and organizations are working together to remove litter from beaches and waterways, preventing plastic from reaching the ocean.

- Improving waste management: Access to effective waste management systems is crucial. Some countries are implementing laws that hold companies accountable for their plastic waste and promote recycling.

- Business incentives: Financial incentives and tax cuts can encourage companies to reduce plastic usage, increase recycling rates, and adopt plastic-free practices.

- Innovations in plastic pollution removal: Organizations like Ocean Cleanup are developing technologies to intercept plastic pollution in rivers and oceans.

- Supporting sustainable practices: Individuals can make a difference by reducing single-use plastic consumption, properly disposing of waste, supporting sustainable seafood practices, and using eco-friendly products.

- Policy and legislation: Supporting and advocating for ocean protection legislation, such as bans or taxes on single-use plastics, is vital to driving systemic change.

By combining these approaches and addressing the issue from multiple angles, we can make significant progress in cleaning up our oceans and mitigating the harmful effects of plastic pollution.

Stop plastic pollution at the source

The most effective way to clean up the oceans is to stop plastic from entering them in the first place. This means preventing plastic from reaching rivers and coastlines, which are the source of around 80% of the plastic waste that ends up in the sea.

To achieve this, it is essential that effective waste management systems are in place and accessible to everyone worldwide. In many regions, people lack the resources and finances to recycle plastic, leading to plastic waste being burned or discarded into the environment, which is harmful to both local ecosystems and human health.

Therefore, providing access to effective waste management systems and ensuring that people know how to use them properly is key to preventing plastic pollution at the source. This includes educating people about what can and cannot be recycled, as incorrect recycling practices can contaminate otherwise recyclable plastics.

In addition to individual actions, businesses and governments also have a crucial role to play in reducing plastic pollution. Financial incentives and tax cuts can encourage companies to reduce their plastic usage, increase recycling rates, and adopt more sustainable practices. Governments can also implement policies such as bans or taxes on single-use plastics, as seen in cities like New York and Chicago, and the European Union's ban on single-use plastic plates, cutlery, straws, balloon sticks, and cotton buds.

By addressing plastic pollution at the source, we can prevent waste from entering our oceans and work towards creating a more sustainable future for our planet.

Improve waste management laws

To clean up the oceans, it is imperative that waste management laws are improved and implemented globally. Here are some ways in which waste management laws can be enhanced to tackle ocean pollution:

Enforce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) strategy holds plastic producers accountable for their waste throughout the entire life cycle of their products, from production to disposal. EPR laws have been in place in many European countries for decades, and it is encouraging to see other countries adopting this legislation. For example, the Philippines recently passed an EPR law in 2022, mandating that all businesses in the country reduce single-use plastic waste and engage in a plastic credits program. Enforcing EPR laws ensures that plastic producers are responsible for the proper disposal of their products, reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the oceans.

Ban or Tax Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, water bottles, straws, and takeout containers, are a significant contributor to ocean pollution. To address this, governments can implement bans or taxes on these items. For instance, many cities in the US, including New York and Chicago, have either banned or taxed plastic bags. Similarly, the European Union (EU) has taken steps to eliminate single-use plastic items by banning plastic plates, cutlery, straws, and balloon sticks. These measures not only reduce the amount of plastic waste generated but also encourage the use of reusable alternatives, minimizing the impact on the oceans.

Provide Incentives for Businesses to Eliminate Plastic Use

Governments can play a crucial role in encouraging businesses to reduce their plastic usage by offering financial incentives and tax cuts. For example, investors can prioritize companies that actively reduce their plastic consumption, and governments can offer tax breaks to companies that adopt plastic-free practices. Additionally, companies can offer incentives to customers who switch from plastic to other materials or return packaging for recycling. These initiatives can significantly reduce plastic waste, increase recycling rates, and promote a more circular economy.

Improve Access to Waste Management Systems Globally

Ensuring that everyone worldwide has access to effective waste management systems is essential. Many regions lack the resources and finances to implement proper waste management practices, leading to improper disposal of waste, including plastics. By providing the necessary resources and infrastructure, governments can improve waste management systems and reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in rivers and oceans.

Strengthen Laws and Standards for Companies

Introducing and enforcing more stringent laws that hold companies accountable for their plastic usage and disposal is crucial. Governments should set standards and regulations that ensure companies minimize their plastic consumption and properly manage their waste. These laws should include penalties for non-compliance to deter companies from contributing to ocean pollution.

In conclusion, improving waste management laws is a critical aspect of addressing ocean pollution. By implementing the measures outlined above, we can make significant progress in reducing the amount of plastic and other waste that ends up in our oceans, protecting marine life and ecosystems for future generations.

Reduce vehicle pollution

Driving cars and trucks is the largest cause of microplastic pollution in oceans. The average emissions are about 1.78 pounds per capita, for a total of 6.1 million tonnes, with brake wear adding another half a million tonnes. This is not just from burning rubber, but also from regular use and the wear and tear of driving.

To reduce vehicle pollution, we can:

• Use fuel-efficient vehicles. These cars produce fewer emissions and are better for the environment.
• Carpool. Sharing rides with others reduces the number of cars on the road and, in turn, lowers vehicle emissions.
• Ride a bike. Opting for a bicycle instead of driving is a great way to reduce vehicle pollution as it eliminates car emissions altogether.
• Drive smaller, lighter cars. Smaller cars tend to be lighter, which means less wear and tear on tires and brakes, resulting in reduced microplastic pollution.
• Opt for electric cars. While electric cars can be heavier and cause more tire and brake wear, they have regenerative braking, which reduces brake wear by about half.

Avoid agricultural runoff

Agricultural runoff is a major contributor to ocean pollution, and it is important to take steps to avoid it. Here are some ways to address this issue:

Avoid Excessive Fertilizer Use

Fertilizers are essential for plant health, but when used in excess, they can have detrimental effects on the environment. Nitrogen and phosphorus, commonly found in fertilizers, can cause algae to grow faster than ecosystems can handle. This leads to a reduction in water quality, food resources, and habitats. To avoid this, farmers can use non-phosphorus fertilizers and adopt sustainable practices that reduce the amount of fertilizer needed.

Properly Manage Animal Waste

Animal waste from livestock farming is a significant source of agricultural runoff. Manure contains high levels of nutrients, pathogens, and organic matter, which can contaminate water bodies during rainfall or irrigation. Farmers can prevent this by properly managing and storing manure away from water sources and using it only when crops can fully utilize it.

Improve Irrigation Techniques

Inefficient irrigation methods, such as flood irrigation or poorly managed sprinkler systems, can contribute to excessive runoff. By adopting improved irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation or precision agriculture, water can be delivered directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation and runoff.

Create Buffer Zones

Implementing buffer zones, such as deep-rooted plants, grass, native buffers, trees, or shrubs, along the edges of fields or water bodies can act as a natural filter. These buffers trap sediment and absorb nutrients and chemicals, preventing them from reaching water bodies and providing a physical barrier to soil and chemical runoff.

Educate Farmers and Communities

Creating awareness among farmers and communities about the impact of agricultural practices on water systems is crucial. Educating farmers about sustainable practices, nutrient management, and alternative farming methods can empower them to make informed decisions that reduce nutrient runoff and protect water quality.

By implementing these strategies and working together, we can significantly reduce agricultural runoff and minimize its impact on our oceans.

Create business incentives to eliminate plastic use

Businesses and governments have a crucial role to play in protecting the ocean from plastic pollution. Creating financial incentives for companies to reduce their plastic usage is a powerful tool to drive change. Here are some ways this can be achieved:

Investor Interest

Investors are increasingly considering a company's environmental impact when deciding where to allocate their funds. Businesses that actively reduce their plastic usage and implement eco-friendly practices will become more attractive to investors, encouraging a shift towards sustainable practices.

Customer Incentives

Businesses can encourage their customers to embrace plastic-free alternatives by offering incentives. For example, customers could be incentivized to switch from plastic to other materials or to return packaging for recycling by offering discounts, loyalty points, or other rewards. This not only reduces plastic waste but also promotes a more circular economy.

Tax Cuts and Subsidies

Governments can play a pivotal role by offering tax cuts and subsidies to companies that adopt plastic-free practices. For instance, localities can set taxes on plastic manufacturers, with higher rates to discourage plastic consumption, or offer subsidies to manufacturers that meet specific criteria for reducing plastic pollution. This provides a financial incentive for businesses to transition away from plastic.

Deposit-Refund Schemes

Deposit-refund schemes (DRS) have been successful in several countries. These schemes refund a small initially charged tax when consumers return packaging for recycling. This not only encourages proper disposal of plastic products but also increases their value, reducing litter and waste mismanagement. South Australia's DRS led to a threefold decrease in beverage containers trashed on beaches, demonstrating the effectiveness of such initiatives.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

EPR strategies hold producers responsible for their products throughout their entire lifecycle, including disposal. This approach ensures that producers are accountable for the environmental impact of their goods even after they reach the end of their useful life. EPR laws have been adopted in many European countries and are now being embraced by other continents, such as the Philippines, which has mandated single-use plastic waste reduction and a plastic credits program for all businesses operating within the country.

Recycling Laws and Incentives

Local governments can implement laws and incentives to increase recycling rates and decrease plastic consumption. For instance, the "pay-as-you-throw" (PAYT) policy charges households and businesses a fee for waste disposal, encouraging reduced consumption and improved waste management. Additionally, landfill bans on certain materials, such as plastic, can increase recycling and collection rates while reducing plastic waste generation.

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