Helena Joyce
The health of our oceans is under serious threat. With trillions of pieces of plastic polluting our seas, marine wildlife and ecosystems are suffering. To combat this, people are taking action to reduce their plastic consumption, with many switching to reusable bags, bottles, and straws. Communities worldwide have banned single-use plastics, resulting in cleaner beaches and healthier marine ecosystems. Beach cleanups are also an active way to help, with events like the International Coastal Cleanup Day making a significant impact. In addition to individual efforts, organisations like The Ocean Cleanup are developing innovative technologies to rid the oceans of plastic, aiming to remove 90% by 2040. To address the climate crisis, which exacerbates ocean acidification, individuals are also urged to reduce their carbon footprint and support policies that advocate for sustainable fishing practices and the protection of marine areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Refusing single-use plastics | Straws, plastic bags, takeout utensils, takeout containers, water bottles, cosmetics with shark squalene, jewelry made of coral, etc. |
| Using reusable alternatives | Bags, bottles, straws, grocery bags, produce bags, coffee cups, dry cleaning garment bags, etc. |
| Proper waste disposal | Recycling, composting, safe disposal of herbicides, pesticides, cleaning products, batteries, and chemicals |
| Supporting ocean cleanups | The Ocean Cleanup, Global Ocean Cleanup, International Coastal Cleanup, beach cleanups, local cleanups, etc. |
| Supporting organizations | Oceanic Society, Plastic Pollution Coalition, 5 Gyres, Algalita, Plastic Soup Foundation, etc. |
| Supporting policies | Marine protected areas, regulations against overfishing, banning single-use plastics, reducing plastic production, improving waste management, etc. |
| Reducing water use | Preventing excess runoff and wastewater from flowing into the ocean |
| Choosing sustainable seafood | Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, wild-caught seafood, etc. |
| Energy efficiency | Using fuel-efficient vehicles, energy-efficient light bulbs, etc. |
| Reducing carbon footprint | Using fuel-efficient vehicles, carpooling, riding a bike, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Beach cleanups
While beach cleanups are effective in removing litter and debris from beaches, they are only a temporary solution to the problem of marine pollution. They do not address the root causes of pollution, such as overconsumption and improper waste disposal. To make a long-lasting impact, it is crucial to complement beach cleanups with broader, systemic solutions. This includes reducing single-use plastic consumption, improving waste management practices, promoting recycling, and advocating for sustainable practices on a larger scale.
By participating in beach cleanups and advocating for systemic change, individuals can make a significant difference in the fight against ocean pollution. Beach cleanups are a great way to get involved in the community and take direct action to protect our oceans and the marine life that depends on them. They also serve as a reminder to leave nothing behind but our footprints when enjoying a day at the beach.
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Reducing single-use plastics
Single-use plastics are a significant contributor to ocean pollution. Trillions of pieces of plastic pollute the oceans, and this number is growing by an estimated 33 billion pounds of plastic pollution every year. This plastic breaks down into microplastics, which are ingested by marine life and can enter the human food chain.
Individuals can refuse single-use plastic items and carry reusable alternatives instead. For example, switching to reusable bags, bottles, coffee cups, and straws can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the ocean. It is also important to support businesses that offer plastic alternatives and to urge them to make changes if they are not already doing so.
In addition to individual actions, legislative changes are needed to reduce plastic production and improve waste management. This includes supporting policies that ban single-use plastics, require companies to phase out unnecessary single-use plastic products, and promote reusable and refillable options. Signing petitions, contacting legislators, and voting for ocean-friendly policies are powerful ways to contribute to these changes.
By combining individual behaviour changes with legislative action, we can make a significant impact in reducing single-use plastics and, ultimately, ocean pollution.
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Proper waste disposal
Recycling and Reducing Plastic Waste: One of the most significant contributors to ocean pollution is plastic waste. By encouraging recycling and reducing single-use plastics, we can significantly decrease the amount of plastic that ends up in our oceans. This includes opting for reusable bags, avoiding single-use plastic items like straws and water bottles, and supporting policies that phase out unnecessary single-use plastic products.
Proper Disposal of Hazardous Waste: It is imperative to ensure that hazardous waste, such as chemicals, herbicides, pesticides, and cleaning products, is disposed of correctly. Proper waste management programs can prevent these toxic substances from entering the ocean and harming marine life. This includes following guidelines for disposing of toxic chemicals and supporting initiatives that promote responsible waste management practices.
Community Cleanups and Individual Efforts: Volunteering for beach and community cleanups is a direct way to prevent waste from reaching the ocean. Joining or organizing such initiatives can make a significant impact by removing trash from coastal areas. Additionally, individuals can adopt simple habits like properly disposing of their trash when visiting beaches and other outdoor spaces, leaving no trace behind.
Support for Waste Management Infrastructure: Waste management infrastructure, including systems for collecting, transporting, and processing waste, is vital in preventing ocean pollution. While implementing these programs can be challenging, supporting initiatives and legislation that improve waste management practices is crucial. This includes advocating for extended producer responsibility, where plastic producers and distributors are held accountable for their products' end-of-life disposal, thereby reducing plastic waste.
Medical Waste Management: Proper medical waste disposal is essential in preventing the spread of diseases and toxins. Healthcare facilities must ensure appropriate storage, transportation, and disposal of medical waste. Staff training in proper medical waste management is crucial to minimize the environmental impact and protect human health.
By adopting these practices and advocating for improved waste management infrastructure, we can make significant strides in preventing ocean pollution and protecting the delicate marine ecosystems.
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Sustainable seafood
The United States is a global leader in sustainable seafood. U.S. fishermen and seafood farmers operate under robust and transparent environmental standards, with wild-capture fisheries scientifically monitored and regionally managed. U.S. seafood is inherently sustainable due to its dynamic, science-based regulatory system, with marine wild-capture fisheries conducted under science-based fishery management plans. These plans are developed using the best scientific information available and consider social and economic outcomes for fishing communities. As a result, more than 90% of the stocks monitored are not subject to overfishing.
However, the seafood industry faces significant challenges. Inadequate fisheries laws, poor enforcement on the high seas, and complex supply chains have led to a substantial amount of the world's seafood being illegally fished. Overfishing has contributed to marine biodiversity loss, with climate change further exacerbating the issue. The decline of endangered North Atlantic right whales, for instance, has been partly attributed to entanglement in lobster lines.
To support sustainable seafood practices, consumers can make informed choices when purchasing seafood. Referring to guides like the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch can help identify sustainably caught seafood. Community-supported fisheries, where customers receive seafood directly from small-scale, sustainable fishermen, are also gaining popularity. By joining such programs, consumers can know the source of their seafood while supporting local fishing economies and sustainable practices.
Additionally, consumers can advocate for policies that reduce plastic production and phase out single-use plastics, as plastic pollution significantly impacts marine ecosystems. Urging government leaders to address the climate crisis and reduce greenhouse gas emissions is also crucial for ocean health.
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Non-profit organisations
Another non-profit, Parley, enables collaboration between creators, thinkers, and leaders to raise awareness about ocean pollution. Their Parley for the Oceans Program includes three strategies: avoiding plastic, intercepting plastic waste, and redesigning the material. Parley has partnered with companies that reuse ocean plastics or have shifted away from virgin plastic.
The Ocean Conservancy is a well-known non-profit working in various sectors to address ocean pollution. They focus on fighting climate change, implementing better government policies, and promoting sustainable fishing practices. They aim to bring science, community, and policy together to find innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
Surfrider Foundation is a grassroots non-profit dedicated to protecting and preserving the world's oceans. Their programs focus on water quality, coastal ecosystems, beach access, and preservation. They have built a strong activist network, host beach cleanups, and mobilise people to sign digital petitions.
Additionally, Oceana, founded in 2001, is the largest international advocacy organisation working to save and restore oceans. They carry out targeted campaigns to prevent the collapse of fish populations and other damages to sea life caused by industrial fishing and pollution. Oceana targets major sources of ocean pollution, including oil, mercury, aquaculture, and shipping emissions.
These non-profit organisations are making significant contributions to the fight against ocean pollution, and their efforts are crucial in protecting marine ecosystems and wildlife.
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