Reducing Ocean Plastic Pollution: Simple Steps To A Cleaner Sea

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 originates on land, ending up in the sea through wind, water streams, and sewage systems. To combat this, we must focus our efforts on reducing single-use plastic consumption, improving waste management, and supporting initiatives that promote sustainable practices. While it may seem daunting, there are several effective ways to reduce plastic pollution and protect our oceans.

Reduce single-use plastics

Reducing single-use plastics is a crucial step in combating ocean plastic pollution, which poses a severe threat to marine life and ecosystems. Here are some detailed and instructive tips to reduce single-use plastics:

Refuse and Reduce Single-Use Plastics:

• Say no to plastic bags, straws, plastic utensils, plastic bottles, and disposable containers. Refuse any single-use plastics that you do not need.
• Carry reusable alternatives such as shopping bags, produce bags, water bottles, coffee cups, and utensils.
• When dining out, refuse plastic straws and ask for paper or foil to wrap leftovers instead of plastic. You can also bring your own straw and container.
• Avoid plastic packaging by shopping smartly. Choose products with eco-friendly packaging, such as paper boxes or glass jars over plastic bags and bottles.
• Opt for loose produce instead of plastic-wrapped items. Use washable, reusable mesh bags or certified compostable food scrap bags.
• Boycott products containing microbeads, such as some face scrubs, toothpastes, and body washes.
• Cook more often and store leftovers in reusable containers to reduce the use of takeout containers.
• Choose clothing made from natural fibers like cotton and wool to reduce microplastic pollution from synthetic fabrics.

Support Alternatives and Sustainable Practices:

• Support restaurants and businesses that have ditched single-use plastics.
• Advocate for and support legislation that curbs plastic production and waste, such as the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act.
• Participate in or organize beach or river cleanups to prevent plastics from reaching the ocean.
• Support organizations actively addressing plastic pollution, such as the Oceanic Society, Plastic Pollution Coalition, and 5 Gyres.

Educate and Encourage Others:

• Educate yourself and others about the impacts of plastic pollution and the importance of reducing single-use plastics.
• Encourage friends and family to join you in reducing their plastic consumption and adopting more sustainable practices.
• Speak out in support of local plastic bans and policies that promote sustainable alternatives.
• Urge manufacturers and companies to reduce plastic packaging and switch to more eco-friendly options.

Remember, small changes in our daily habits can have a significant impact on reducing single-use plastics and, ultimately, ocean plastic pollution.

Support legislation to curb plastic production

While individual behavioural changes are important, they are not enough to solve the plastic pollution crisis. We need legislation that reduces plastic production, improves waste management, and holds plastic producers accountable for the waste they generate.

US Legislation

The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021 is a federal bill that aims to address the plastic pollution crisis. It sets requirements and incentives to reduce the production of plastics and other materials, while also increasing efforts to collect, recycle, or compost these materials. The bill also establishes minimum percentages of products that must be reused, recycled, or composted, and phases out a variety of single-use products, such as plastic utensils.

The Protecting Communities from Plastics Act is another piece of legislation designed to stop plastic pollution and reduce climate change. It establishes stricter rules for petrochemical plants to safeguard human health and reduce plastic production greenhouse gas emissions. This act also creates new nationwide targets for plastic source reduction and reuse in the packaging and food service sectors.

Global Legislation

In addition to local and national legislation, international efforts are also being made to address plastic pollution. Hundreds of organisations and businesses worked together with United Nations member states to enact a global plastics treaty, which has been signed by 175 member states. This treaty will set global rules and regulations to reduce plastic pollution.

State and Local Legislation

While there are currently no federal laws restricting single-use plastics in the US, there are many good examples of state and local laws that could serve as useful templates. For instance, California made headlines by proposing a phase-out of all plastic products that aren't completely recyclable. Other states and counties, such as San Francisco and Chicago, have introduced or supported legislation to make plastic bag use less desirable, such as implementing a bag tax or ban.

Effectiveness of Legislation

Legislation that bans single-use plastic products is considered a more useful strategy for reducing plastic use and pollution than recycling. A ban tackles the issue at its source and helps curb greenhouse gas emissions from the rapidly expanding petrochemical industry, which uses fossil fuels to produce plastic. Research suggests that focused legislation is highly effective at reducing plastic bag use and the presence of bags in the natural environment. For example, after Washington, D.C. implemented a five-cent tax on plastic bags in 2009, there was an 85% reduction in plastic bag use. Similarly, a complete ban on plastic bags in San Francisco in 2007, along with a 10-cent fee on compostable and paper bags, resulted in a 70% drop in plastic bag pollution.

Participate in beach cleanups

Beach cleanups are a great way to directly combat the problem of plastic pollution in our oceans. They are organised events where volunteers come together to remove litter, debris, and other pollutants from beaches and coastal areas. Beach cleanups are essential in addressing the growing problem of marine pollution and protecting marine ecosystems, wildlife, and the overall environment.

There are several types of beach cleanups, including:

• International Coastal Cleanup Day: A global event held annually, involving millions of volunteers from around the world.
• Local Community Cleanups: Smaller-scale cleanups organised by local environmental groups, non-profit organisations, schools, and businesses.
• Corporate and NGO Initiatives: Some companies and non-governmental organisations conduct beach cleanups as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts.
• Youth and School Cleanups: Schools arrange beach cleanups as part of educational programs to teach students about environmental responsibility.
• Surfer-Led Cleanups: Surfers and water sports enthusiasts passionate about ocean conservation organise beach cleanups.

Beach cleanups offer numerous benefits, such as:

• Marine Conservation: Beach cleanups help remove plastic waste, preventing entanglement, ingestion, and toxic effects on marine life.
• Preserving Biodiversity: Clean beaches provide a safer environment for nesting sea turtles, birds, and other wildlife.
• Protecting Human Health: Polluted beaches pose health risks to visitors. Beach cleanups help reduce the presence of harmful bacteria and microplastics.
• Community Awareness: These events raise public awareness about the impacts of pollution and the importance of responsible waste disposal.
• Aesthetic and Tourism Value: Clean beaches are more attractive to tourists and locals, benefiting tourism-dependent communities.
• Data Collection for Research: Some beach cleanups collect data on litter types and quantities, aiding research and policy-making to address pollution.
• Preventing Plastic from Entering the Ocean: By intercepting litter before it reaches the ocean, beach cleanups reduce the overall plastic load in the water.

While beach cleanups are valuable, they also have some disadvantages. They provide a temporary solution, focusing on cleaning the visible pollution on beaches without addressing the root causes of plastic pollution or the pollution already in the ocean. Additionally, they can be logistically challenging and time-intensive, and they may disturb beach ecosystems and wildlife.

Despite these limitations, beach cleanups play a crucial role in raising awareness, engaging communities, and providing immediate relief to local ecosystems. To effectively tackle marine plastic pollution, it is essential to complement beach cleanups with broader, systemic solutions, including reducing single-use plastic consumption, improving waste management, promoting recycling, and advocating for sustainable practices on a larger scale.

Avoid products with microbeads

Microbeads are tiny plastic particles that have become a significant source of ocean plastic pollution. They are commonly found in face scrubs, toothpastes, and body washes, and can easily pass through wastewater treatment plants, ending up in oceans and lakes. These microbeads are often mistaken for food by marine animals, leading to ingestion and causing harm to their digestive systems.

• Read the labels: Look for any marketing or descriptive language mentioning "microbeads" or "exfoliating beads" in the product description. This can be a clear indication that the product contains plastic microbeads.
• Check the ingredients: Look for specific types of plastics in the ingredients list, such as "polyethylene" or "polypropylene," which are common indicators of the presence of plastic microbeads. Other plastics to avoid include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and nylon. Opt for natural, biodegradable alternatives, such as grains, ground nut shells, salt, or sugar crystals.
• Use apps and online resources: Take advantage of mobile applications like "Beat the Microbead," which allows you to scan the barcode of a product and instantly informs you if it contains microbeads. Additionally, online campaigns like Beat the Microbead maintain lists of products containing microbeads for various countries.
• Choose natural alternatives: Select cosmetic and personal care products that utilize natural, biodegradable alternatives to microbeads. For example, jojoba beads, almond meal, or sugar crystals can be effective exfoliants without contributing to plastic pollution.
• Support legislation and advocacy: Advocate for legislation that bans or restricts the use of microbeads in cosmetic products. A collective effort by organizations and individuals has led to successful bans in some regions, and your voice can contribute to expanding these efforts globally.
• Make your own products: Consider creating your own cosmetic and personal care products using natural, eco-friendly ingredients. For example, sugar, salt, or coffee grounds can be excellent alternatives for exfoliation, and baking soda can be used for teeth cleaning.

Support charities challenging plastic pollution

There are several charities that are dedicated to fighting plastic pollution and protecting our oceans. These charities are integral to tackling the plastic crisis, as they provide facts and figures surrounding the issue and drive social change.

One such charity is 5 Gyres, a non-profit organisation that uses science and education to drive solutions. They conduct scientific research to uncover how plastic is damaging the environment. For example, they sent an expedition to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to determine the extent of the problem. Their research helped convince large companies to stop using plastic microbeads, and their findings ultimately contributed to the passing of the Microbead-Free Waters Act in 2015.

The Plastic Oceans Foundation is another global non-profit organisation that addresses the plastic pollution issue and its impacts on the oceans, marine life, and humans. They aim to change the world's attitude towards plastic and encourage everyone to rethink their plastic usage through awareness campaigns using film and media. Their powerful documentary, "A Plastic Ocean", is a great resource to share with communities, schools, friends, and family to raise awareness and inspire change.

SAS (Surf Against Sewage) is also actively fighting plastic pollution by organising nationwide beach cleans and raising petitions for a deposit return system for single-use plastics. They generate income through various means, including membership subscriptions, donations, and project sponsorships, to fund their campaigns and community events.

Greenpeace, founded in 1971 by environmental activists, is an international environmental organisation with offices in over 40 countries. They advocate for closed-loop systems to reduce, reuse, and recycle materials, minimising waste pollution.

You can support these charities and their efforts by donating, sharing their resources, and participating in their campaigns and events. By joining forces with these organisations, we can collectively make a bigger impact in the fight against plastic pollution and work towards protecting our oceans and the planet.

Frequently asked questions