Bronte Wells
Ocean pollution is at dangerous levels, with the majority (80%) originating on land and caused by humans. Chemical pollution, in particular, is an underrated yet invisible threat to marine life and human health. It is caused by toxic chemical waste, such as mercury, sewage, and oil spills, being dumped into the ocean. To stop chemical pollution in the ocean, individual actions such as reducing plastic consumption, using eco-friendly products, and supporting sustainable fishing practices can make a significant difference. Additionally, governments and organizations play a crucial role in implementing regulations, improving wastewater infrastructure, and promoting alternative methods to reduce the use of harmful chemicals. By combining individual efforts with organizational and governmental initiatives, we can effectively address the issue of chemical pollution in our oceans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reduce plastic production and waste | Avoid products containing microbeads, opt for reusable products over single-use, recycle properly |
| Use eco-friendly products | Reusable bags, water bottles, and containers, natural cleaning products |
| Choose non-toxic health and beauty products | Opt for natural and non-toxic products to reduce chemical spillages |
| Use less water | Prevent excess runoff and wastewater from flowing into the ocean |
| Choose sustainable seafood | Support responsible fishing practices |
| Use fuel-efficient vehicles | Carpool or ride a bike |
| Choose energy-efficient light bulbs | Don't over-set the thermostat |
| Regulate the use of fertilisers, pesticides, and other chemicals | Choose organic fertilisers, use natural alternatives to toxic chemicals in gardens |
| Improve wastewater infrastructure | Ensure proper treatment of wastewater to prevent the flow of pollutants into the ocean |
| Participate in coastal cleanups | Remove plastic debris and chemical pollutants from shorelines and oceans |
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What You'll Learn
Reduce plastic production and waste
Reducing plastic production and waste is crucial to combating chemical pollution in the ocean. As consumers, we can make a significant difference by being mindful of our purchases and waste management. Here are some ways to reduce plastic production and waste:
Reduce Plastic Consumption: The first step is to cut down on our plastic consumption. This means saying no to single-use plastics and opting for reusable alternatives. Bring your own bags when shopping, use reusable water bottles, and carry a travel mug for your coffee. Avoid products with excessive packaging, and choose items with minimal or no plastic packaging. For example, instead of the plastic squeezable honey bear, go for a glass jar of honey.
Reuse and Repurpose: Before discarding plastic items, consider if they can be reused or repurposed. Plastic containers, bottles, and bags can often be washed and reused multiple times. Donate or sell unwanted plastic items that are still in good condition instead of throwing them away. This extends the lifespan of plastic products and reduces the demand for new plastic production.
Recycle Plastic Waste: Recycling is essential to keeping plastic out of the ocean. Learn about the recycling guidelines in your area and separate your plastic waste accordingly. Look into how to recycle plastic bags, wraps, and films, as they cannot go into your household recycling bin. Participate in community recycling drives or donate your recyclables to a local charity. When possible, purchase products made from recycled plastic materials, such as bubble wrap containing recycled plastic for moving.
Buy Used: Instead of always buying new, consider purchasing used plastic items. Thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces often offer a wide range of plastic items that still have plenty of life left in them. This reduces the demand for new plastic production and gives pre-owned plastic items a second chance.
Support Anti-Plastic Legislation: Advocate for legislation that discourages plastic bag use and single-serving plastic packaging. Support politicians and initiatives that prioritize reducing plastic waste. Many cities, including San Francisco and Chicago, have already introduced laws to make plastic bag use less desirable, and their efforts can serve as a model for other communities.
By implementing these practices, we can significantly reduce plastic production and waste, contributing to the broader goal of stopping chemical pollution in the ocean.
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Avoid products with microbeads
Microbeads are small pieces of plastic with a diameter of less than a millimetre. They are often added to cosmetic products such as facial scrubs, body washes, and toothpaste as exfoliants. They are also present in some cleaning products such as heavy-duty hand soaps, detergents, waxes, and polishes. These tiny plastic particles are not degradable or water-dissolvable, and they end up in the oceans since they cannot be separated by conventional sewage filtration systems.
- Read the label: Look for any marketing language mentioning the exfoliating power of "microbeads" in the product.
- Read the ingredients listing: Look for “polyethylene” or “polypropylene” which indicates the presence of plastic microbeads. Other microplastics to look out for include nylon (PA), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).
- Use alternative products: There are many eco-friendly and natural alternatives to products containing microbeads. For example, sugar, salt, and coffee grounds can be used as a scrub, and baking soda can be used for toothpaste.
- Check databases and apps: Databases such as Beat the Microbead and EWG (Environmental Working Group) Skin Deep database can help you identify products that do not contain microplastics. The Beat the Microbead campaign has also introduced a "Zero" label in partnership with manufacturers, so consumers can easily identify microplastic-free products. Additionally, they have an app that can be used to scan a product's barcode to check if it contains microbeads.
- Support legislation and campaigns: Support organisations and campaigns that are working to ban microbeads and reduce plastic pollution. This includes advocating for legislation that discourages plastic waste, reduces plastic production, and improves waste management.
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Use eco-friendly products
Using eco-friendly products is an effective way to reduce chemical pollution in the ocean. This involves making conscious choices about the products we buy and use in our daily lives.
One way to do this is by opting for reusable items instead of single-use plastic products. This includes using reusable bags, water bottles, and containers made from materials like cloth and stainless steel. By choosing reusable options, we can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our oceans. Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to ocean health, and it is estimated that between 4 and 12 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year. By making a simple switch to reusable items, we can help reduce this alarming number.
Another way to use eco-friendly products is by choosing natural and non-toxic health, beauty, and cleaning products. Many traditional self-care and cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can be toxic to marine life. These chemicals can enter the ocean through runoff or chemical spillages, posing a significant threat to marine ecosystems. By choosing natural and non-toxic alternatives, we can reduce the amount of these harmful chemicals in our environment and protect the health of our oceans. Look for products made from natural and biodegradable ingredients, and avoid those containing microbeads or microplastics.
As consumers, we can also support brands that are committed to reducing their use of harmful chemicals and promoting sustainability. We can research and choose brands with environmentally conscious practices, policies, and promises. Shopping organic and supporting companies that use alternative methods of agriculture and landscaping can help reduce the demand for products from farms that rely heavily on toxic chemicals.
Additionally, we can take individual actions such as reducing our water usage to minimize the amount of excess runoff and wastewater that flows into the ocean. We can also properly dispose of herbicides, pesticides, and cleaning products, ensuring that they do not end up in our oceans and cause harm to marine life.
By incorporating these eco-friendly practices into our daily lives, we can significantly contribute to the reduction of chemical pollution in our oceans and make a positive impact on the environment.
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Dispose of toxic chemicals properly
Disposing of toxic chemicals properly is crucial to preventing chemical pollution in the ocean. Here are some ways to ensure proper disposal:
Understand the Impact of Toxic Chemicals
Recognize that toxic chemicals used in everyday products, such as herbicides, pesticides, cleaning agents, health and beauty products, and fertilizers, can contaminate the ocean. These chemicals can enter the ocean through runoff, sewage leaks, and ineffective water treatment processes, harming marine life and ecosystems.
Choose Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Alternatives
Opt for non-toxic and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cleaning products and health and beauty products. Look for natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic ingredients. Avoid products containing microbeads and choose sustainable options. For example, instead of using chemical pesticides, explore harmless natural alternatives.
Proper Disposal of Hazardous Waste
Ensure that hazardous waste, such as herbicides, pesticides, and cleaning products, is disposed of properly. Follow local guidelines and regulations for hazardous waste disposal. Some communities have designated drop-off locations or collection events for hazardous waste.
Support Responsible Companies
Research the brands you buy from and choose those committed to reducing their use of harmful chemicals and implementing sustainable practices. Support companies that prioritize eco-friendly packaging and responsible waste management. Encourage alternative methods of agriculture and landscaping that minimize the use of toxic chemicals.
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Minimize the use of toxic chemicals by reducing your consumption and choosing reusable options over single-use products. Recycle properly to prevent toxic chemicals from ending up in landfills, which can eventually leach into the ocean. Cut down on waste and practice responsible waste management.
Advocate for Improved Wastewater Infrastructure
Support initiatives and advocate for improved wastewater infrastructure to prevent untreated wastewater, which contains chemicals, plastics, and other pollutants, from flowing into the ocean. Encourage regulations and penalties that address industrial, commercial, and recreational pollutants, ensuring proper treatment before discharge into water bodies.
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Opt for natural fertilisers
Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential nutrients for crops, and farmers apply them to their fields in the form of chemical fertilisers and animal manure. However, when plants do not fully utilise these nutrients, they can be washed away from farm fields and into waterways during rain or snowmelt, eventually making their way into the ocean. This process, known as eutrophication, leads to the growth of harmful algal blooms and the depletion of oxygen levels in the water, resulting in "dead zones" that are detrimental to aquatic life.
To combat this issue, individuals can opt for natural fertilisers in their gardens and agricultural practices. While chemical fertilisers contribute to nutrient pollution in water bodies, natural fertilisers provide a more sustainable alternative. These organic options include compost, manure, and plant-based fertilisers derived from natural sources such as bone meal, blood meal, and fish emulsion. By choosing natural fertilisers, individuals can reduce the amount of excess nutrients entering water systems and mitigate the negative impacts of eutrophication.
One effective natural fertiliser is compost, which can be easily made at home by recycling organic waste such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and yard trimmings. Composting not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also creates a nutrient-rich soil amendment that improves soil health and fertility. Additionally, individuals can opt for manure from local farms or sustainable agriculture projects, ensuring that the manure is free from harmful chemicals and antibiotics that may be present in industrial manure.
Another option is to explore plant-based fertilisers derived from natural sources. Bone meal, for example, is a slow-release fertiliser that provides phosphorus to support root development and flowering in plants. Blood meal is another organic option that supplies nitrogen to promote leaf growth and plant health. Fish emulsion, made from the remains of fish processed for other purposes, is a good source of nitrogen and phosphorus. These natural fertilisers offer a more sustainable approach to plant nutrition, reducing the environmental impact of chemical fertilisers on oceans and other water bodies.
By choosing natural fertilisers over chemical options, individuals can play a crucial role in reducing nutrient pollution in oceans and protecting aquatic ecosystems. This small but significant step contributes to the larger goal of creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for future generations. It is important to remember that individual actions, when combined with collective efforts and policy changes, can have a significant impact on addressing the issue of chemical ocean pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Ocean pollution has many consequences that directly and indirectly affect marine life, as well as humans. Sea animals are frequent victims of ocean pollution. Oil spills, for instance, will ensnare and suffocate marine animals by permeating their gills. Marine animals also mistake small plastic debris for food or become entangled in plastic bags and discarded fishing nets.
Most ocean pollution originates on land and is caused by humans. Nonpoint source pollution is the accumulation of pollution from small sources like individual cars, boats, farms, and construction sites. Nonpoint source pollution typically becomes ocean pollution via runoff, which occurs when rain or snow moves pollutants from the ground into the ocean.
Individuals can reduce chemical pollution in the ocean by being mindful of the products they purchase. Avoid products containing microbeads and opt for reusable products over single-use plastic items. Choose natural cleaning and health & beauty products that are eco-friendly and non-toxic.
Plastic debris in the ocean is not just a physical threat to marine life, but also a chemical one. Plastics can absorb chemical pollutants from the surrounding waters and transport them over long distances. When animals eat plastic, these chemical pollutants can leach into their stomachs, causing toxic effects.
Toxic chemicals found in the ocean include mercury released from manufacturing plants and crude oil from oil spills. Other examples are fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides that enter the ocean through runoff.
