Brian Barton
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to the health of our oceans and rivers. With trillions of pieces of plastic polluting our oceans, this plastic pollution has a devastating impact on marine wildlife and ecosystems. Marine animals such as sea turtles, whales, seabirds, and fish are affected by plastic pollution, and it is estimated that more than half of the world's sea turtles and nearly every seabird on Earth have ingested plastic in their lifetimes. To combat this issue, it is crucial to focus on reducing plastic use, improving waste management, and preventing plastic from entering our waterways. This can be achieved through individual actions such as reducing plastic consumption, recycling, and properly disposing of waste, as well as supporting organizations like The Ocean Cleanup, which aims to remove 90% of ocean plastic by 2040 using river interception technologies. Additionally, advocating for policies that limit single-use plastics and promoting sustainable practices within corporations can contribute to reducing plastic pollution in our oceans and rivers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reduce plastic use | Choose clothing and textiles made from natural materials like cotton and wool |
| Properly dispose of herbicides, pesticides, and cleaning products | Use non-toxic chemicals |
| Reduce waste | Choose sustainable seafood |
| Reduce plastic pollution | Buy less plastic and use reusable bags |
| Improve waste management | Improve recycling rates |
| Use energy-efficient products | Use fuel-efficient vehicles, carpool, or ride a bike |
| Limit ocean dumping | Implement and enforce regulations for responsible waste disposal |
| Clean up rivers | Use river cleanup technology like Interceptors to capture trash before it reaches the ocean |
| Protect marine life | Follow "catch and release" practices and volunteer for beach and community cleanups |
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What You'll Learn
Reduce plastic use
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to the health of oceans and rivers worldwide. With skyrocketing plastic production, low levels of recycling, and poor waste management, between 4 and 12 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year. This plastic has a devastating impact on marine wildlife and ecosystems.
Reducing plastic use is the first step towards solving the problem of plastic pollution. At the individual level, there are several ways to reduce plastic use and keep oceans and rivers pollution-free:
- Avoid single-use plastics: Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, takeout containers, and bottles, are a major contributor to plastic pollution. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives such as cloth bags, reusable water bottles, and containers.
- Recycle and dispose of plastics properly: Currently, only about 9% of plastic is recycled worldwide. When you use single-use plastics that can be recycled, always recycle them properly. Also, dispose of plastics that cannot be recycled in a responsible manner to ensure they do not end up in oceans or rivers.
- Choose clothing made of natural materials: Synthetic fibers, such as nylon, acrylic, and polyester, shed microplastics that can end up in the ocean. By choosing clothing and textiles made of natural materials like cotton and wool, you can reduce the amount of microplastic pollution.
- Support companies with sustainable packaging: If you believe a company could use less plastic in their packaging, make your voice heard. You can also choose to support companies that use sustainable and eco-friendly packaging alternatives.
By following these steps and advocating for policies that reduce plastic use, we can significantly contribute to keeping our oceans and rivers pollution-free.
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Properly dispose of toxic chemicals
To keep oceans and rivers pollution-free, it is crucial to properly dispose of toxic chemicals. Improper disposal of hazardous waste can pose significant risks to human health and the environment. Here are some detailed instructions for the proper disposal of toxic chemicals:
Firstly, it is important to identify the type of waste you are dealing with. Read the labels and safety data sheets (SDS) provided with the products. These sheets will provide essential information on safe handling, storage, and disposal methods. Some products may have specific disposal directions that should be followed to reduce the risk of explosions, ignition, or chemical reactions during transportation to disposal facilities. It is also important to never store hazardous products in food containers; always keep them in their original containers with the labels intact.
When dealing with household hazardous waste (HHW), such as cleaners, paints, oils, herbicides, pesticides, and electronic waste, there are often community collection systems or designated days for central collection to ensure safe management and disposal. If your community does not have such a system, some local businesses may accept certain products for recycling or proper disposal. For example, local garages may take used motor oil for recycling.
In the case of corroding containers or leftover residues in containers, special handling is required. Contact your local hazardous materials official or fire department for specific instructions. It is imperative never to mix HHW with other products, as incompatible substances may react dangerously or become unrecyclable.
To dispose of toxic chemicals properly, you can explore various treatment options, including chemical and physical treatments. Chemical treatments include processes such as neutralization, precipitation, ion exchange, reduction, or oxidation. Physical treatments involve methods like solidification, flotation, sedimentation, evaporation, or filtration. For organic waste, high-temperature incineration can be employed to destroy toxic compounds and reduce waste volume. However, always ensure that incineration is performed responsibly and in compliance with regulations.
Additionally, surface impoundments, such as ponds, pits, or lagoons, can be used to treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste, especially liquid waste. These impoundments must be lined with impermeable materials, like clay or synthetic liners, to prevent leakage into the soil and groundwater. Regular inspections and maintenance of these containment systems are vital to ensure their integrity and address any potential breaches.
Remember, proper disposal of toxic chemicals is a critical step in protecting our oceans and rivers from pollution. By following these instructions and staying informed about safe disposal practices, you can play a crucial role in preserving the health of our aquatic ecosystems.
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Cut down on waste
To keep oceans and rivers pollution-free, it is essential to cut down on waste. Plastic pollution is one of the most significant threats to ocean health, with trillions of pieces of plastic currently polluting our oceans and the problem continuing to worsen. This plastic degrades into microplastics, which are ingested by marine wildlife and can enter the human food chain. To combat this issue, it is crucial to reduce plastic consumption and properly manage waste.
One way to cut down on plastic waste is to support and advocate for legislation that limits, taxes, or bans unnecessary single-use plastic items such as plastic bags, takeout containers, and bottles. This can be done through engaging with local, national, and international initiatives, such as the global plastics treaty signed by 175 United Nations member states. Additionally, when using single-use plastics, it is important to ensure they are recycled properly. However, it is worth noting that currently, only 9% of plastic is recycled worldwide, emphasizing the importance of reducing plastic consumption in the first place.
Individuals can also cut down on waste by choosing sustainable alternatives to plastic, such as reusable bags, and reducing overall consumption of plastic products. This can be achieved by buying less plastic and opting for sustainable seafood options. It is also important to dispose of waste properly, including herbicides, pesticides, and cleaning products, to prevent them from entering our oceans and rivers.
By cutting down on waste and choosing sustainable alternatives, we can help reduce plastic pollution in our oceans and rivers, protecting marine wildlife and ecosystems and ensuring a healthier future for our planet.
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Reduce use of single-use plastics
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to ocean and river health worldwide. Trillions of pieces of plastic pollute our oceans today, and this number is worsening. This plastic has a devastating impact on marine wildlife and ecosystems, as well as human health.
Single-use plastic products (SUPPs) are a major contributor to this crisis. They are used once and then discarded, often ending up in landfills, incinerators, or, worse, the environment. The production, distribution, and littering of SUPPs cause significant environmental damage. SUPPs are also often burned, which releases toxic chemicals into the atmosphere.
To reduce the use of single-use plastics and help keep our oceans and rivers pollution-free, here are some actions that can be taken:
Support Policy Changes and Initiatives
At the international level, support policies and initiatives that aim to reduce single-use plastic pollution. For example, the global plastics treaty enacted by the United Nations and signed by 175 member states aims to set global rules and regulations to tackle this issue. Many places have also successfully banned or limited unnecessary single-use plastic items, such as plastic bags, takeout containers, and bottles. You can advocate for and support the adoption of similar policies in your community.
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
On an individual level, there are several ways to reduce your use of single-use plastics:
- Avoid bottled water whenever possible. Opt for a reusable metal or glass bottle instead.
- Always carry a reusable bag when shopping. Reusable totes or bags made from sustainable materials like cotton or non-woven polypropylene are better alternatives to single-use plastic bags.
- Cook more often and store leftovers in reusable containers to reduce your reliance on plastic takeout containers.
- Compost your food waste to shrink your personal waste stream.
- Avoid individually packaged goods, like snack packs. Opt for bulk items or bring your own containers to zero-waste shops.
- Buy a reusable straw made from metal or glass, along with reusable cutlery, to reduce your use of plastic utensils.
- Reuse single-use plastic items when possible. For example, durable plastic bags, bottles, cups, and takeaway food packaging can be reused or repurposed.
- When it comes to recycling, single-use plastics can be challenging to recycle due to their small size. However, always recycle single-use plastics that can be recycled, and support proper waste management practices.
Encourage Sustainable Business Practices
Large producers of single-use plastics have a significant environmental impact. Advocate for and support businesses that are taking initiative to reduce plastic waste, such as piloting reuse and refill systems or designing more sustainable packaging. You can also participate in movements like Break Free from Plastic, which conducts annual audits of plastic pollution along coastlines to hold companies accountable.
By taking these actions and encouraging others to do the same, we can collectively make a significant impact in reducing the use of single-use plastics and keeping our oceans and rivers pollution-free.
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Support organisations tackling plastic pollution
Keeping oceans and rivers pollution-free is a pressing global issue. Plastic pollution is a significant threat to waterways, ecosystems, and human health. Here are some ways to support organisations that are tackling plastic pollution:
- The Ocean Cleanup: This non-profit organisation develops and deploys technology to rid the oceans of plastic. They aim to remove 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040 through their sustainable interceptor systems and river interception technologies. The Interceptor Original, a solar-powered floating device, collects trash and redirects it to onboard dumpsters, storing up to 50m³ of waste. You can support their work by donating or joining their international team.
- The Seabin Foundation: This foundation addresses maritime plastic litter through research and innovation. They invented the world's first portable ocean health data lab, where scientists collect and analyse data on plastic pollution. Their maritime trashcan, Seabin, filters plastic debris from the water using an electric underwater pumping system, processing up to 55,000 litres per hour. It has been successfully installed in marinas and harbours across Australia.
- Noria Sustainable Innovators: This Dutch start-up developed the CirCleaner system to tackle pollution in fast-moving waters. The system features a large wheel with blades that rotate against the water current, collecting floating litter as small as 1 mm. Noria's innovation has been shown to remove 95% of floating plastic.
- RAN Marine: RAN Marine aims to protect aquatic ecosystems with autonomous water drones. Their Waste Shark ASVs collect plastic debris from waterways, reaching places that traditional waste management vessels cannot. These drones are low maintenance, budget-friendly, and operate on renewable energy, ensuring zero carbon emissions.
- Sungai Watch: This Indonesian non-profit organisation tackles waterway pollution by installing trash barriers to catch plastic debris on the water's surface. The Cleanup Warriors clean these river barriers daily, preventing plastic from reaching the ocean.
- Plastic Fischer: This Germany-based social enterprise deploys TrashBooms in rivers worldwide to capture plastic. They focus on creating both social and environmental impacts by reducing plastic pollution.
- Plastic Pollution Coalition: This non-profit organisation advocates for a world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts. They collaborate with a global alliance of organisations, businesses, and individuals to drive systemic change. They promote initiatives like Plastic Free July, encouraging people to refuse single-use plastic for the month.
- World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF): WWF is leading the charge to reduce, redesign, and reuse plastic materials. They advocate for eliminating single-use plastics, shifting to sustainable sources, and improving recycling and composting practices. WWF aims to create a world where nature thrives and communities are protected from the harmful effects of plastic production.
Supporting these organisations can take many forms, including donations, volunteering, spreading awareness, and adopting sustainable practices in your daily life. Together, we can make a significant impact in tackling plastic pollution and creating a healthier planet for all.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to help keep oceans and rivers pollution-free. You can reduce your plastic use, choosing natural materials like cotton and wool instead of synthetic fibres made from nylon, acrylic, polyester and fleece. You can also buy less plastic, bring a reusable bag and recycle any plastic items.
You can support organisations like The Ocean Cleanup, which develops technologies to rid the oceans of plastic. You can also advocate for policies that limit, tax or ban unnecessary single-use plastic items.
Around 80% of marine plastic pollution originates on land. Plastic is swept into the ocean from the coastline or carried to rivers from the streets during heavy rain via storm drains and sewer overflows.
