Ocean Plastic Pollution: Solutions For A Sustainable Future

Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing issue that poses a serious threat to marine life and ecosystems. With millions of tons of plastic waste contaminating our seas, it is essential to address this problem. The majority of plastic pollution in the ocean comes from single-use products such as bottles, bags, and straws, as well as land-based sources like runoff, littering, and industrial activities. To combat this, individuals can take action by reducing their use of single-use plastics, supporting legislation to curb plastic production, participating in beach cleanups, and being mindful of products containing microplastics. Additionally, it is crucial to support organizations and charities working towards reducing plastic pollution and pushing for political change. While it may seem daunting, small actions can have a significant impact on addressing this global issue.

Reduce single-use plastic

Reducing single-use plastic is one of the most effective ways to tackle the plastic pollution problem in our oceans. Here are some detailed and direct actions that individuals can take to reduce their consumption of single-use plastics:

Refuse and Reduce:

The first step is to refuse any single-use plastics that you do not need. This includes plastic straws, bags, utensils, takeout containers, and plastic packaging. By refusing single-use plastic, you send a message to businesses that you prefer environmentally friendly alternatives. It is also important to reduce your overall consumption of plastic products. This can be achieved by purchasing reusable items such as water bottles, coffee cups, grocery bags, produce bags, and food storage containers. Carrying these reusable items with you can help you avoid single-use plastic when you are on the go.

Recycle:

When you do use single-use plastic, make sure to recycle it properly. Currently, only about 9% of plastic is recycled worldwide, so it is essential to increase this rate to keep plastics out of the ocean. Check with your local recycling center to understand their specific guidelines and the types of plastic they accept.

Support Legislation and Initiatives:

While individual actions are important, they are not enough to solve the problem. 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. You can also support organizations like Oceanic Society, Plastic Pollution Coalition, and 5 Gyres, which are actively working to reduce and eliminate ocean plastic pollution.

Avoid Microplastics:

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that have become a significant source of ocean pollution. They are commonly found in cosmetic products like face scrubs, toothpastes, and body washes. Avoid products containing "polyethylene" and "polypropylene" on the ingredient labels, as these are types of microplastics.

Participate in Cleanups:

Join or organize cleanups of your local beach, river, or waterway to remove plastic waste and prevent it from reaching the ocean. This is a direct and rewarding way to fight ocean plastic pollution. Organizations like The Ocean Conservancy, Surfrider Foundation, and Ocean Blue Project regularly arrange beach cleanups for volunteers.

By following these steps and making conscious choices, individuals can significantly reduce their single-use plastic consumption and contribute to the global effort to protect our oceans.

Support legislation to curb plastic production

While individual behavioural changes are important, they are not enough to tackle the plastic pollution crisis. To effectively address this issue, we need to support legislation aimed at curbing plastic production and waste. Here are some ways to do that:

Support Local, National, and International Legislation

Legislation can play a crucial role in reducing plastic production and holding plastic producers accountable for their waste. For instance, in the United States, the 2021 Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act is a comprehensive federal bill that addresses the plastic pollution crisis. Additionally, there are state-level initiatives, such as extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation, which holds plastic producers and distributors responsible for their products' end-of-life management. Supporting and advocating for such legislation is essential.

Advocate for a Global Plastics Treaty

Hundreds of organizations and businesses worked with United Nations member states to enact a global plastics treaty, which has been signed by 175 member states. This treaty will establish worldwide rules and regulations to combat plastic pollution. Supporting and promoting this treaty will help ensure its successful implementation and encourage more nations to join.

Encourage Legislation Limiting Single-Use Plastics

Legislation that limits, taxes, or bans unnecessary single-use plastic items, such as plastic bags, takeout containers, and bottles, has been successfully enacted in many places globally. Supporting and advocating for similar policies in your community can help reduce plastic pollution.

Promote Recycling and Proper Waste Management

Recycling plays a vital role in keeping plastics out of the ocean and reducing the demand for new plastic production. However, the current global recycling rate for plastic is only 9%. Supporting legislation that improves waste management systems and encourages recycling can help address this issue. Additionally, ensuring that plastic producers are responsible for the waste they generate will incentivize them to reduce plastic production and improve recycling processes.

Stay Informed and Spread Awareness

Stay informed about legislative efforts to curb plastic production and waste. Spread awareness about the importance of supporting such legislation among your friends, family, and community. Educate others about the impact of plastic pollution on the environment and encourage them to take action.

By supporting and advocating for legislation that targets plastic production and waste, we can make significant progress in tackling the ocean plastic pollution crisis. Individual actions are important, but systemic change through legislation is crucial for long-term success.

Avoid products with microplastics

Microplastics are small plastic pieces less than five millimeters long, which can be harmful to oceans and aquatic life. They can come from larger plastic pieces that have broken apart, or they can be manufactured as microbeads, which are used in health and beauty products. These microbeads are tiny particles that can easily pass through water filtration systems and end up in oceans and waterways, posing a threat to aquatic life.

To avoid products with microplastics, it is important to be aware of the different forms they can take and the products that commonly contain them. Microplastics can be found in face scrubs, toothpastes, and body washes as microbeads. When checking cosmetic product labels, look for "polyethylene" and "polypropylene" to identify the presence of microplastics. These products should be avoided as microplastics can have detrimental effects on marine life.

Additionally, microplastics can come from the breakdown of larger plastic debris. Therefore, it is essential to reduce your overall plastic consumption and switch to reusable alternatives. This includes refusing single-use plastics such as plastic bags, water bottles, straws, and takeout containers, and opting for reusable options instead. By reducing the demand for single-use plastics, you can help decrease the amount of plastic that ends up in the ocean and breaks down into microplastics over time.

Furthermore, supporting legislation and organizations that aim to curb plastic production and improve waste management is crucial. Advocate for policies that reduce plastic production, increase recycling efforts, and hold plastic producers accountable for their waste. By taking these collective actions, we can make a significant impact in reducing microplastics and protecting our oceans and aquatic ecosystems.

Participate in beach cleanups

Participating in beach cleanups is one of the most direct and rewarding ways to fight ocean plastic pollution. Beach cleanups are very personal and local, and they can be done individually or with friends and family.

There are a number of organisations that regularly arrange beach cleanups for volunteers, such as The Ocean Conservancy, Surfrider Foundation, American Littoral Society, and Ocean Blue Project. The Ocean Conservancy, for example, has collected 300 million pounds and more than 350 types of items over 30 years of cleanups.

Beach cleanups are also an effective way to deal with ocean plastics and microplastics. One study found that for the first five years after entering the ocean from land, 77% of plastic remained on beaches or floated in coastal waters. Most plastic in the ocean remains within 100 miles of the shore, washing back and forth and scraping on the sand, which eventually breaks it down into microplastics.

Beach cleanups also raise public awareness about the threat of marine debris more effectively than less participatory public education programs. Volunteers often report that the cleanups make them more mindful of how they dispose of their own disposables.

Support charities challenging plastic pollution

One way to help stop plastic pollution in the ocean is to support charities challenging plastic pollution. Here are some examples of charities and non-profit organizations working to reduce and eliminate plastic pollution in the ocean:

The Ocean Cleanup

The Ocean Cleanup is a Dutch nonprofit organization with the goal of removing 90% of floating plastic pollution in the ocean. They use a system of floating barriers to capture plastic and bring it back to shore for proper disposal. While their first collection system was ineffective in containing the plastic garbage, their current system has successfully removed 220,000 pounds of plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

The Surfrider Foundation

The Surfrider Foundation is one of the largest grassroots organizations fighting to end plastic pollution in the US. They advocate for sustainable product alternatives and fight to impose bans and ordinances on single-use plastics. Since their founding, they have won over 330 legislative victories relating to plastic pollution, including the passing of the Federal Save Our Seas Act and the Microbead-Free Waters Act. They have also hosted over 2,000 beach cleanups, resulting in the removal of over 650,000 pounds of trash.

The 5 Gyres Institute

The 5 Gyres Institute is a leader in the global movement against plastic pollution through scientific research. They conduct research expeditions, utilize data to educate and engage the public, and apply their findings to reach data-driven solutions. The 5 Gyres Institute pioneered the world's first global estimate of plastic pollution in oceans and has published 25 scientific journals, papers, and studies. Their research has helped fuel impactful legislation like the federal microbead ban, which diverted 16 billion microbeads from the ocean.

The Story of Stuff Project

The Story of Stuff Project educates and empowers civic engagement through grassroots grants and campaigns. They have allocated over $200,000 in funding to more than 70 grassroots organizations, enabling projects that inhibit plastic production. Their sponsored campaigns have contributed to major collaborative victories, such as the passing of the Microbead-Free Waters Act. Additionally, their award-winning films have raised awareness by garnering over 50 million online views.

Plastic Oceans

Plastic Oceans is an international leader in creating global change through localized education, advocacy, action, and science programs. They sponsor projects that create change in consumer behavior, corporate practices, and public policy. Their award-winning film, "A Plastic Ocean," fueled massive social impact during the UN Collaboration on World Oceans Day. They also hosted the 2019 Easter Island Swim Against Plastic event, which raised global awareness and removed 720 lbs of waste from the island's beaches.

Plastic Free Restaurants

Plastic Free Restaurants works to eliminate single-use plastics from bars, restaurants, and schools. They subsidize the cost difference between petroleum-based plastics and reusable alternatives, as well as provide educational resources regarding plastic consumption. Since their inception, they have eliminated more than 6 million pieces of plastic from 52 restaurants and 5 schools, resulting in significant waste reduction and cost savings.

Greenpeace International

Greenpeace is an international non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the Earth's ability to nurture life in all its diversity. They have been a leader in environmental activism on significant issues, including plastic pollution. They have collaborated on several legislative victories, such as the United Nations Global Plastics Treaty, and successfully petitioned companies like Coca-Cola to reduce their plastic production.

Think Beyond Plastic

Think Beyond Plastic works to foster solutions in product delivery systems, bio-benign materials, and sustainable chemistry. They connect industry, investors, and innovators to fund upstream solutions to plastic pollution. They have helped entrepreneurial companies patent agricultural plastic reformation technology and facilitated connections to transform post-consumer plastic waste into durable and long-lasting plastic timber.

The Plastic Pollution Coalition

The Plastic Pollution Coalition is a non-profit organization working to reduce and eliminate plastic pollution. They rely on donations to continue their important work in addressing plastic pollution.

Frequently asked questions