Protecting Our Oceans: Reducing Pollution's Impact

The ocean is facing a massive and growing threat from plastic pollution. An estimated 33 billion pounds of plastic pollution floods the marine environment from land-based sources every year. This is roughly equivalent to dumping two garbage trucks full of plastic into the ocean every minute. While there are non-profit organisations working to reduce and eliminate ocean plastic pollution, there are also a number of ways that individuals can help.

Reduce plastic pollution

One of the most significant threats to our oceans is plastic pollution. An estimated 33 billion pounds of plastic pollution enter our marine environment from land-based sources every year, which is roughly equivalent to dumping two garbage trucks full of plastic into our oceans every minute. Instead of degrading, plastic breaks up into smaller and smaller pieces that are swallowed by marine life, from fish and sea turtles to seals and seabirds, many of which are endangered.

To reduce plastic pollution, it is important to refuse single-use plastic items and support businesses that offer alternatives. You can also support organisations working to reduce and eliminate ocean plastic pollution, such as Oceanic Society, Plastic Pollution Coalition, 5 Gyres, Algalita, and Plastic Soup Foundation. Even small donations can make a big difference.

In addition to individual behaviour changes, we also need legislation that reduces plastic production, improves waste management, and holds plastic producers accountable for the waste they generate. You can support local, national, and international legislation that provides critical solutions to reduce plastic pollution, such as the 2021 Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act in the United States.

Another direct way to fight ocean plastic pollution is to participate in beach cleanups, either on your own or by joining a local organisation's cleanup event or an international event like the Global Ocean Cleanup or the International Coastal Cleanup. By taking action and making small changes, we can all do our part to reduce plastic pollution and help protect our oceans.

Dispose of chemicals properly

One of the most important things we can do to help the ocean is to dispose of chemicals properly. This includes herbicides, pesticides, and cleaning products. When these chemicals are not disposed of properly, they can end up in the ocean, where they can be harmful to marine life.

To dispose of chemicals properly, it is important to follow the instructions on the label. Many chemicals can be disposed of down the drain with running water, but others may need to be taken to a hazardous waste facility. It is also important to never pour chemicals down the storm drain, as this can lead directly to the ocean.

Another way to reduce chemical pollution in the ocean is to choose non-toxic alternatives. There are many natural and non-toxic cleaning products available that are just as effective as their chemical counterparts. You can also make your own cleaning products using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.

In addition to proper disposal and choosing non-toxic alternatives, it is important to cut down on the amount of waste we produce in the first place. This can be done by reducing our use of single-use plastics, choosing sustainable seafood, and buying less plastic overall. We can also volunteer for cleanups at the beach and in our communities to help remove chemical and plastic waste from the ocean and its surroundings.

By disposing of chemicals properly, choosing non-toxic alternatives, and reducing our waste, we can help reduce chemical pollution in the ocean and protect marine life.

Cut down on water usage

One of the most effective ways to help the ocean is to cut down on water usage. When we use less water, we reduce the amount of excess runoff and wastewater that flows into the ocean. This is important because wastewater often contains harmful chemicals and pollutants that can damage marine ecosystems.

There are several ways to reduce water usage. Firstly, we can fix any leaking taps or pipes in our homes. A leaking tap can waste up to 20 gallons of water a day, so fixing these leaks can make a significant difference. We can also install water-saving devices, such as low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets, which use less water per flush.

Another way to cut down on water usage is to be mindful of our daily habits. We can shorten our showers, turn off the tap while brushing our teeth or shaving, and only run the washing machine or dishwasher when they are fully loaded. These small changes can add up to substantial water savings over time.

In addition, we can reduce water usage by adopting water-efficient practices in our gardens and outdoor spaces. We can water our plants early in the morning or late in the evening to minimise evaporation, and use drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses that deliver water directly to the roots of plants, reducing runoff and water waste.

Finally, we can support water conservation initiatives and advocate for policies that promote sustainable water use. This includes supporting organisations that work to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems, as well as advocating for legislation that addresses water pollution and promotes efficient water management practices. By cutting down on water usage and supporting these initiatives, we can help reduce the pollution that enters our oceans and protect the delicate balance of marine life.

Choose sustainable seafood

One of the most important things we can do to help the ocean is to choose sustainable seafood. Overfishing is a major problem, with an estimated 33 billion pounds of plastic pollution flooding our marine environment from land-based sources every year. That's roughly equivalent to dumping two garbage trucks full of plastic into our oceans every minute.

When we choose sustainable seafood, we support fisheries and fishing practices that minimise the impact on the ocean and its ecosystems. This means choosing seafood that has been caught or farmed in ways that do not deplete fish stocks or harm other marine life. It also means avoiding seafood that has been caught using destructive fishing gear, such as bottom trawls, which can damage sensitive habitats like coral reefs and sea grass beds.

There are a number of ways to choose sustainable seafood. One way is to look for labels and certifications that indicate the seafood has been sustainably sourced. These include the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label, which certifies wild-caught seafood, and the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) label, which certifies farmed seafood. Another way is to choose seafood that is lower on the food chain, such as sardines or anchovies, as these species are less likely to be overfished and have a lower impact on the environment.

We can also choose to support businesses and organisations that are committed to sustainable seafood practices. This might mean buying seafood from local fisheries that practice responsible fishing methods or choosing restaurants that source their seafood ethically. We can also advocate for legislation that promotes sustainable fishing practices and reduces plastic pollution, such as the 2021 Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act in the United States.

By choosing sustainable seafood, we can help ensure that our oceans remain healthy and abundant for future generations. It is a small but important step towards addressing the growing problem of ocean pollution and overfishing.

Volunteer for beach cleanups

One of the most direct ways to help the ocean is to volunteer for beach cleanups. You can do this by yourself, with friends or family, or by joining a local or international organisation. For example, you could join the Oceanic Society, Plastic Pollution Coalition, 5 Gyres, Algalita, or the Plastic Soup Foundation. These organisations rely on donations to continue their work, so even small donations can make a big difference.

You can also support legislation that provides critical solutions to reduce plastic pollution. For example, the 2021 Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act is a comprehensive federal bill in the United States that aims to address the plastic pollution crisis. There are also state-level initiatives to introduce extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation, which makes plastic producers and distributors responsible for their products and packaging at the end of their life.

It is important to remember that individual behaviour changes alone are insufficient to stop ocean plastic pollution. However, refusing single-use plastic items and choosing alternatives can help businesses offer more sustainable options. This can include using reusable bags, buying less plastic, and choosing sustainable seafood.

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