The Ocean's Garbage: Where Does It Come From?

Marine debris, or trash in the ocean, is a pressing issue that poses a threat to marine life and the environment. The ocean acts as a sink for global pollution, with plastic waste making up a significant portion of marine debris. While there are various sources and pathways for waste to enter the ocean, human activities play a significant role in the accumulation of marine debris. This introduction will explore the primary ways waste makes its way into the ocean and the impact it has on the marine ecosystem. By understanding these pathways, we can better address the issue and work towards reducing the harmful effects of marine pollution.

Littering and illegal waste dumping

Marine debris comes from many sources and enters the ocean in various ways. Intentional littering and illegal waste dumping, or fly-tipping, are significant contributors to marine debris. When plastic waste is not properly disposed of and is instead discarded on streets or in public spaces, it can be blown or washed into canals, rivers, and drainage systems, which eventually carry the trash to the ocean. This form of littering is not limited to land as people on boats have also been known to throw trash overboard, which is against the law.

Littering on streets and in parking lots is another form of illegal dumping that indirectly contributes to marine debris. Rainwater can move the trash into storm drains that empty into streams, rivers, and other water bodies, ultimately leading to the ocean. Wind is also a factor as many single-use plastic items are lightweight and can be easily blown away, ending up in waterways or drainage systems. Improper waste disposal, such as flushing plastic objects down the toilet, also contributes to the problem.

The act of littering and illegal waste dumping has severe consequences for the marine environment. To address this issue, individuals must change their consumption and disposal habits, especially regarding single-use plastics. Additionally, the implementation of effective waste management systems and proper recycling practices are crucial to preventing plastic waste from ending up in our oceans.

To combat the problem of littering and illegal waste dumping, various regulations and international agreements have been put in place. The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA), enacted by the United States Congress in 1972, regulates the transportation and disposition of materials in the ocean to protect human health, welfare, and the marine environment. The MPRSA also implements the London Convention, an international treaty aimed at protecting the ocean from deliberate waste disposal.

While these measures have helped curb the uncontrolled dumping of wastes in the ocean, it is essential for individuals, communities, and governments to continue working together to reduce, properly manage, and dispose of waste effectively, thereby minimizing its harmful impact on the marine environment.

Windblown plastic

The impact of windblown plastic is evident in the accumulation of plastic in our oceans, with the most notable example being the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP), located between California and Hawaii. The GPGP covers an approximate surface area of 1.6 million square kilometers and contains an estimated 80,000 tonnes of plastic. This plastic breaks down into microplastics, which are consumed by marine life and eventually enter the human food chain, posing significant health risks.

To combat windblown plastic, proper waste management practices are essential. This includes ensuring that outside rubbish bins have closed lids and that all loads of waste are covered during transportation to prevent litter from escaping. Additionally, individuals can play a role by reducing their plastic consumption, properly disposing of plastic waste, and supporting initiatives aimed at ocean plastic cleanup and pollution prevention.

By addressing the issue of windblown plastic through improved waste management and increased environmental awareness, we can significantly reduce the amount of plastic entering our oceans and mitigate the harmful effects on marine ecosystems and human health.

Plastic flushed down drains

Plastic waste flushed down the drains contributes significantly to the plastic pollution in our oceans. This occurs when plastic rubbish is flushed down toilets instead of being disposed of in waste bins. Plastic waste from land-based sources, including littering and illegal waste dumping, can also be blown or washed into canals, rivers, and drainage systems, eventually making its way into the ocean.

Microplastics, such as microbeads found in personal care and cosmetic products like toothpaste, face scrubs, and shower gels, are often flushed down sinks and toilets, contributing to the plastic waste in our oceans. These microplastics are too small to be filtered out by wastewater treatment plants and end up being consumed by aquatic organisms, eventually reaching the human food chain.

Washing machines also contribute to this issue by releasing microfibres from synthetic clothing into waterways. An average load of laundry can release up to 700,000 microplastic fibres, which are not captured by filters and end up in rivers and oceans.

To address this problem, individuals should properly dispose of plastic waste in waste bins and avoid flushing plastic items down the toilet. Additionally, reducing the use of single-use plastics and switching to natural fibre clothing can help curb the amount of plastic entering our oceans through drainage systems.

While individual actions are crucial, tackling plastic pollution in our oceans requires collective efforts. Governments and industries must implement stricter regulations and sustainable practices to reduce plastic waste generation and ensure proper waste management, especially for plastic products. By addressing plastic pollution at its source and improving waste disposal and recycling systems, we can make a significant impact in reducing the amount of plastic entering our oceans through drains and other pathways.

Industrial activities

One significant way that industrial activities contribute to ocean waste is through the direct dumping of trash into rivers, oceans, or along beaches. This includes illegal waste dumping by cruise ships, which discharge sewage into the water that contains plastic products and particles. Open dumps, prevalent in some developing countries, also lack the proper standards to prevent waste from leaking into the surrounding environment.

Another way that industrial activities impact ocean waste is through inadequate waste management systems. Many municipal wastewater treatment facilities are unable to detect microplastics and microfibres, allowing them to pass through and end up in rivers and oceans. This is exacerbated by the plastic industry's production of single-use plastic products, which are used once and then thrown away. The vast majority of plastic originates from land-based sources (80%) before entering waterways.

Furthermore, industrial activities related to shipping and fishing contribute to ocean waste. Ships may lose cargo at sea, and abandoned plastic fishing nets and longlines, known as "ghost gear," make up about 10% of plastic waste in the ocean. Marine aquaculture adds to the problem when the polystyrene foam used in floating fish cages breaks down and enters the sea.

To reduce the amount of waste entering the ocean, corporations must take responsibility and reduce the sale of single-use plastics. Governments should also improve waste management systems and promote plastic recycling to protect marine life from further harm.

Extreme weather

In addition to wind, extreme weather events can also cause flooding, which can wash waste into the ocean. Floodwaters can pick up and transport various types of debris, including plastic, over vast distances, eventually depositing them into waterways and oceans. This waste can originate from a variety of sources, including landfills, industrial sites, and agricultural areas.

The impact of extreme weather on ocean waste is significant. For instance, the 2011 tsunami in Japan resulted in an estimated 5 million tons of debris being washed into the ocean. This included a wide range of materials, such as fishing gear, building materials, and household items. The majority of this waste was carried by ocean currents to the west coast of North America, where it continues to have an impact on marine life and coastal communities.

Furthermore, extreme weather can also damage waste management infrastructure, leading to increased waste leakage into the ocean. For example, hurricanes or typhoons can cause damage to landfills, waste treatment facilities, and recycling centers, resulting in the release of waste into the environment and, ultimately, the ocean. This highlights the importance of resilient waste management systems that can withstand extreme weather conditions and prevent the escape of waste into marine ecosystems.

Overall, extreme weather plays a significant role in the introduction of waste into the ocean. The combination of high winds, storm surges, and flooding associated with these events can rapidly transport waste from inland areas to the ocean. Additionally, the impact of extreme weather on waste management infrastructure can further exacerbate the problem. Therefore, it is crucial to implement effective waste management practices and develop resilient infrastructure to minimize the impact of extreme weather on ocean pollution.

Frequently asked questions