Helena Joyce
Marine plastic pollution is a pressing environmental challenge that threatens marine life, the food chain, human health, and the delicate balance of aquatic environments. It is caused by the relentless production and disposal of plastic materials, with over 460 million metric tons of plastic produced each year and an estimated 20 million metric tons ending up in the environment. As plastic is designed to be durable, it does not break down naturally, persisting in the ocean for long periods and fragmenting into microplastics that can be ingested by marine organisms. To address this issue, local and global organizations are working on cleanup efforts, and countries have implemented bans on certain single-use plastics. Additionally, international cooperation has increased, with the UN Environment Assembly adopting a resolution to develop an international legally binding instrument to address plastic pollution throughout its entire lifecycle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marine plastic pollution is a global problem | Requires a global response |
| Positive efforts by countries | Bans on certain forms of single-use plastics |
| Need for a global plastics treaty | Reduce plastic production, phase out harmful subsidies, eliminate products and chemicals of concern, adopt strong national plans, rigorous reporting and compliance mechanisms |
| Global plastics treaty should be based on a comprehensive approach | Addresses the full life cycle of plastic, including production, design, and disposal |
| Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter (GPML) | Multi-stakeholder partnership bringing together all actors working on plastic pollution and marine litter reduction |
| Support to countries | Capacity development to catalyze actions and commitments at the national and global levels |
| Legal and collaborative frameworks | Development of a national source inventory and national roadmaps/strategies/plans on plastic pollution and marine litter |
| Science-based and evidence-driven action | Reduce and prevent the influx of plastic into Asian rivers |
| Addressing plastic pollution at the source | Before it has a chance to reach the ocean |
| Cleanup efforts | Identify sources of mismanaged waste leakage into the ocean, monitor levels of pollution, evaluate the efficiency of policy measures, and optimize solutions |
| Microplastics | More difficult to clean up, can impact more species than larger objects |
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What You'll Learn
Global treaties and national plans
Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental challenge that has emerged in recent times, impacting the health of our oceans and ecosystems. It is a major driver of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation and contributes to climate change. As plastic pollution is a transboundary issue, a global treaty is needed to reduce plastic production, phase out harmful subsidies, eliminate products and chemicals of concern, and adopt strong national plans and rigorous reporting and compliance mechanisms.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has recognised the importance of addressing plastic pollution and marine litter through various resolutions. The Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter (GPML), formed in 2012, is a multi-stakeholder partnership that brings together various actors working on plastic pollution and marine litter reduction. The UNEP also provides support to countries through capacity development, catalysing actions and commitments at the national and global levels to reduce plastic pollution.
In March 2022, 175 countries participating in the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) adopted the resolution "End plastic pollution: towards an International legally binding instrument". This resolution marked a significant step towards addressing plastic pollution on a global scale.
On a national level, countries have taken positive steps to tackle plastic pollution, such as bans on certain forms of single-use plastics. However, a global plastics treaty remains essential due to the transboundary nature of plastic pollution. National legislation and capabilities to address plastic pollution, reporting, and compliance must be enhanced. This includes improving product design with full lifecycle approaches for a more circular economy and supporting nature-positive Extended Producer Responsibility Systems.
Additionally, funding mechanisms are crucial to address plastic pollution effectively. These mechanisms can provide resources for capacity building, technological assistance and transfer, education, and the preservation and sharing of Indigenous and traditional knowledge. By combining global treaties with robust national plans and actions, we can collectively address the pressing issue of marine plastic pollution.
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Bans on single-use plastics
To combat this issue, several states and cities in the United States have implemented bans on single-use plastic bags. As of 2023, ten states, including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington, had enacted some form of ban. San Francisco became the first major city to ban single-use plastic bags in 2007, and the rest of California followed suit in 2014, resulting in a significant 70% reduction in plastic bag usage within the state. Other cities, such as Portland, Oregon, and Santa Barbara, California, have also implemented bans, contributing to a reduction of about 6 billion bags per year.
These bans have been effective in reducing plastic bag consumption and associated litter and pollution. For example, in San Mateo County, California, the proportion of customers using reusable bags increased significantly after the ban was implemented. However, enforcement of these bans has been a challenge, as seen in states like New York, where some businesses continue to distribute plastic bags despite the ban.
While the United States has yet to implement a federal-level ban on single-use plastics, the U.S. Interior Department has announced plans to phase out single-use plastic products from national parks and certain public lands by 2032, covering approximately 480 million acres of federal land. This is expected to reduce the amount of plastic entering our oceans by around 14 million tons.
In addition to the United States, other countries and regions are also taking action. For instance, the European Union has implemented a ban on single-use plastic items such as straws, plates, and cutlery, which came into effect in July 2021. This ban is part of the EU's broader strategy to reduce plastic pollution and promote more sustainable alternatives.
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Cleaning up macroplastics
Macroplastics are typically categorized as anything larger than 5 millimeters. However, The Ocean Cleanup differentiates between mesoplastics (0.5–5 cm), macroplastics (5–50 cm), and megaplastics (>50 cm). This reflects the wide variation of sizes in plastic pollution.
Macroplastics can be found in all of the Earth's five ocean gyres, with the largest accumulation of plastic in the world being in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located between Hawaii and California. This gyre covers 1.6 million square kilometers and contains 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic, weighing almost 90,000 tons. Macroplastics found in this gyre include cigarette butts, plastic bags, food containers, laundry baskets, plastic bottles, medical waste, and fishing gear.
The Ocean Cleanup, a Dutch nonprofit, is the most high-profile organization working to clean up ocean plastic. Their system consists of a large floating net-like barrier that forms a U-shape and is slowly towed by two ships. The natural flow caused by the movement directs plastic to the central retention zone. Once a week, the two vessels come together to close the barriers, pick up the retention zone, and empty the plastic onto one of their decks. The plastic is then separated into different recycling streams, packaged, and sent to recycling facilities onshore.
Some marine biologists have expressed concerns that The Ocean Cleanup's system could harm marine life and emit large amounts of carbon dioxide due to the fossil fuel-powered ships towing the barriers. The organization counters that fish can escape its system, and there are breathing ports for larger creatures that get caught. Additionally, underwater cameras are used to ensure marine life doesn't get entangled, and a remote-controlled trigger release opens one end of the retention zone if a creature is trapped.
While The Ocean Cleanup focuses on plastic in the ocean, other organizations work on preventing plastic from reaching the ocean in the first place. These organizations identify the sources of mismanaged waste leakage into the ocean and focus their cleanup efforts on those locations. They also help track levels of pollution, evaluate the efficiency of policy measures, and optimize solutions.
Addressing macroplastics in the ocean is a challenging task that requires global cooperation and a range of approaches, from prevention to cleanup.
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Indigenous and traditional knowledge
Indigenous communities are often the most adversely affected by marine plastic pollution. This is due to their close connection with nature and dependence on the environment for their livelihoods and cultural practices. As plastic pollution disrupts marine ecosystems, traditional food sources are becoming less dependable, forcing communities to rely on expensive, imported goods. This not only strains limited financial resources but also distances communities from their cultural practices and traditional knowledge.
Indigenous communities have an intimate understanding of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) relating to the ocean, beaches, and mudflats of their homelands. TEK has been passed down through multiple generations and is integral to the cultural and sustainability practices of these communities. Climate change and marine plastic pollution are threatening these knowledge systems worldwide.
Indigenous youth must be empowered with knowledge about the impacts of plastic pollution and equipped with the tools to engage in environmental stewardship. This involves integrating TEK with modern scientific understanding to create a holistic approach to conservation. Initiatives like beach clean-ups, plastic waste reduction programs, and policy advocacy are some ways in which youth can actively contribute to mitigating the problem.
In addition to local action, global cooperation is needed to address the root causes of plastic pollution. A global plastics treaty that recognizes indigenous rights and knowledge is essential. Such a treaty should ensure the access and participation of indigenous communities and other vulnerable groups in decision-making processes and obligate countries to phase down plastic production.
Indigenous science and knowledge have been incorporated into new research on plastic pollution prevention. For example, in the Pacific Islands, single-use plastic bags are being replaced with bags woven from plant materials, and banana and coconut fronds are being used for weaving baskets and packaging take-home foodstuffs. These local alternatives to plastic demonstrate the innovative solutions that indigenous communities can offer in the fight against marine plastic pollution.
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Reducing plastic consumption
Public Awareness and Education:
Spreading awareness about the impacts of plastic pollution on marine environments is vital. Educating individuals about the longevity and harmful effects of plastic in the ocean can motivate behavioral changes. Encouraging the public to reduce their plastic usage, dispose of plastic waste properly, and support alternatives to single-use plastics can collectively make a significant difference.
Policy Changes and Government Initiatives:
Governments play a pivotal role in reducing plastic consumption. Implementing bans or restrictions on specific single-use plastic items, such as plastic bags, straws, or disposable cutlery, can be effective. Additionally, introducing incentives or subsidies for reusable alternatives can promote a shift away from disposable plastics. Policy changes should also address extended producer responsibility, ensuring that companies producing plastic goods are held accountable for their waste and encouraging more sustainable product designs.
Support for Reusable and Sustainable Alternatives:
Promoting the use of reusable items instead of single-use plastics is essential. Encouraging consumers to carry reusable shopping bags, water bottles, coffee cups, and food storage containers can significantly reduce plastic waste. Supporting businesses that offer refill and reuse schemes, such as bulk food stores or refillable cleaning product dispensers, can also help reduce plastic consumption.
Improved Waste Management and Recycling Infrastructure:
Investing in waste management systems and recycling infrastructure is crucial to reducing plastic pollution. Proper waste collection, disposal, and recycling practices can prevent plastic waste from entering marine environments. Implementing better separation and collection systems for recyclable plastics and ensuring access to recycling facilities can contribute to reducing plastic consumption and promoting a circular economy.
International Cooperation and Treaties:
Plastic pollution is a global issue that transcends national boundaries. International cooperation is essential to address this problem effectively. Supporting and advocating for global plastics treaties, such as the UN Environment Assembly's resolution "End Plastic Pollution: towards an International Legally Binding Instrument," are vital steps toward reducing plastic production, phasing out harmful practices, and strengthening national plans and compliance mechanisms.
Individual Actions:
Individuals can make a difference by reducing their plastic consumption in daily life. This can include refusing single-use plastics whenever possible, such as declining plastic straws, bags, or disposable utensils when offered. Reusing and repurposing plastic items, such as containers or packaging, can also reduce demand. Properly disposing of plastic waste and supporting local initiatives, such as community cleanups or recycling programs, are other ways individuals can contribute to reducing plastic consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
Marine plastic pollution is being addressed by governments through the implementation of legislation and regulations aimed at reducing plastic production, phasing out harmful subsidies, and eliminating harmful products and chemicals. This includes bans on certain forms of single-use plastics and efforts to improve waste management practices.
Organizations like The Ocean Cleanup are working to clean up plastic pollution in oceans and rivers, with a focus on removing larger pieces of plastic to prevent them from breaking down into microplastics. The Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter (GPML) is another initiative that brings together various stakeholders to address plastic pollution and marine litter reduction.
Individuals can play a crucial role in addressing marine plastic pollution by reducing their plastic consumption, properly disposing of plastic waste, and supporting organizations dedicated to cleanup efforts. Participating in beach cleanups and advocating for stronger environmental policies can also help address this issue.
Marine plastic pollution is a complex issue due to the durability of plastic and the fact that it does not readily degrade or break down in the environment. Microplastics, in particular, are challenging to clean up due to their small size and widespread distribution. Additionally, plastic pollution is a transboundary issue, requiring global cooperation and collective action to implement effective solutions.
