Brian Barton
Marine plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues, threatening the health of oceans and marine life. Plastic pollution in the oceans has increased significantly due to the rise in disposable plastic products and inefficient waste management systems. This has led to the endangerment of various marine species, including seabirds, sea turtles, seals, whales, and fish, who often ingest plastic or become entangled in it. To combat this issue, individuals can reduce their plastic consumption, reuse and recycle plastic products, and support organisations working towards ocean conservation. Additionally, public education, policy changes, and global treaties are necessary to address the root causes of marine plastic pollution and protect marine ecosystems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Impact | Marine plastic pollution has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species, and 43% of all marine mammal species. |
| Solutions | Reduce, reuse, recycle single-use plastics; avoid products with microplastics; participate in beach cleanups; support grassroots campaigns and petitions; increase public education to prevent littering; implement strong national plans and reporting requirements; phase out harmful subsidies; eliminate products and chemicals of concern. |
| Causes | Single-use products such as bottles, caps, cigarettes, shopping bags, cups, and straws; land-based pollution from urban and stormwater runoff, littering, industrial activities, tyre abrasion, construction, and agriculture; marine pollution from shipping paint, discarded fishing gear, and plastic breakdown. |
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What You'll Learn
Reduce single-use plastic by opting for reusable products
Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue, with far-reaching consequences for marine ecosystems and wildlife. Single-use plastics, such as bottles, bags, and straws, are a significant contributor to this crisis. To combat this, individuals can make a substantial difference by opting for reusable alternatives.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce single-use plastic is to switch to reusable water bottles. Given that plastic bottles are one of the most common items found in ocean gyres, this simple act can have a profound impact. Reusable bottles are readily available and often made from sustainable materials like stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free plastic, which is better for both the environment and personal health.
Carrier bags are another single-use plastic item that can be easily replaced with reusable options. Reusable bags are often made from durable materials like canvas or jute, and some are even made from recycled plastic bottles, giving new life to existing plastic waste. By keeping a few reusable bags in your car or at home, you can avoid the need for single-use plastic bags when shopping.
For those who enjoy hot or cold beverages on the go, investing in a reusable coffee cup or water bottle with good insulation is a great way to cut down on single-use plastic. Many coffee shops even offer small discounts to customers who bring their own cups, providing a financial incentive to make the switch. These cups are often made from materials like stainless steel or double-walled glass, keeping drinks hot or cold for extended periods.
Finally, for those who frequently eat takeout meals, switching from disposable utensils and containers to reusable alternatives can make a notable difference. Reusable utensils are often lightweight and easy to carry, and some even come with travel cases, making them convenient for daily use. By opting for reusable forks, knives, spoons, and containers, you can significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste generated from takeout meals.
By embracing these simple changes and choosing reusable products, individuals can play a pivotal role in reducing marine plastic pollution, protecting marine life, and preserving the beauty of our oceans.
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Avoid products containing plastic microbeads
Plastic pollution has a direct and deadly effect on wildlife, with thousands of marine animals dying each year from ingestion and entanglement. Plastic is so durable that, according to the EPA, all plastic ever made still exists today. This includes microplastics, which are plastic particles smaller than 5mm.
Microplastics are prevalent in cosmetic and skincare products, where they are used for their exfoliating properties. These products include toothpaste, detergents, and glitter, which contribute to the microplastic pollution in our oceans. Microbeads, a type of microplastic, are especially harmful as they are consumed by planktons, which are then eaten by bigger fish, eventually making their way up the food chain.
To avoid contributing to this issue, it is important to be mindful of the products you purchase. Many household and cosmetic products contain microbeads, which are easily identifiable by their grainy texture and appearance. By carefully reading the ingredients section of a product, you can avoid buying items that contain microplastics. Campaigns like 'Beat the Microbead' have made it easier to identify these products by introducing the 'Zero' label in partnership with manufacturers.
Additionally, it is important to recognize that microplastics are not the only form of plastic pollution. Macro-plastics, pieces larger than 0.5mm, made up 88% of global plastic leakage in 2019. Single-use products such as bottles, shopping bags, and straws are significant contributors to plastic pollution. To reduce your plastic footprint, opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible.
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Participate in beach and river cleanups
Participating in beach and river cleanups is a fantastic way to directly combat the plastic pollution crisis. The Marine Conservation Society organises a UK-wide cleanup event called the Great British Beach Clean in September, which combines litter-picking with data collection to better understand the plastic pollution crisis in the UK. However, you don't have to wait for this annual event to make a difference; there are always local cleanups happening around the UK that you can get involved with. Beach and river cleanups are important because they target the areas where the majority of plastic pollution originates, preventing it from flowing into the ocean and causing harm to marine life.
One of the most effective ways to reduce plastic pollution is to focus on preventing it from entering our oceans in the first place. Rivers are a major source of plastic pollution in the oceans, acting as conveyor belts that pick up more trash as they move downstream. By participating in river cleanups, you can help stop this plastic from reaching the sea and protect marine life. You can also organise or join local river cleanups in your community to make a direct impact on reducing plastic pollution.
Beach cleanups are also crucial in the fight against plastic pollution. Plastic pollution not only mars beautiful beaches and coastlines worldwide, but it also has a devastating impact on marine life. Sea turtles, for example, can mistake plastic bags for food, leading to choking, internal injuries, or starvation. Beach cleanups help remove this plastic pollution before it can harm marine animals or contaminate our oceans. Look for local beach cleanups organised by environmental groups or community organisations, or take the initiative and start your own beach cleanup event!
In addition to joining organised cleanups, you can also make a difference by simply picking up any litter you see when visiting beaches or rivers. Bring a reusable bag and gloves to collect any plastic waste you come across, and dispose of it properly in a nearby bin or recycling facility. Remember to practice good hygiene and safety precautions when handling litter, especially if it is sharp or contaminated. By taking personal initiative, you can make a significant impact in your local area and inspire others to do the same.
Participating in beach and river cleanups is a direct and effective way to combat plastic pollution. By removing plastic waste from these environments, you can prevent it from entering the ocean and protect marine life from the harmful effects of plastic. Whether you join organised events or take individual action, your efforts can make a real difference in the fight against plastic pollution. Together, we can create a cleaner and healthier environment for both people and wildlife.
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Support petitions and campaigns for environmental change
Supporting petitions and campaigns for environmental change is a powerful way to contribute to the fight against marine plastic pollution. This type of advocacy plays a crucial role in influencing policy changes and holding governments and industries accountable for their actions. Here are some ways to get involved:
Endorsing Petitions
Your signature on a petition can carry significant weight in driving political change. Seek out petitions that advocate for stronger regulations on plastic production, consumption, and disposal. For example, you can lend your support to petitions demanding that governments recognize plastic as a pollutant, as well as those pushing for the phase-out of single-use plastics and harmful plastic products, such as microbeads in cosmetics.
Joining Environmental Campaigns
Get involved with environmental organizations dedicated to tackling marine plastic pollution. These groups often initiate campaigns that target specific issues or industries. For instance, the Marine Conservation Society in the UK organizes campaigns like the Great British Beach Clean, which combines litter-picking with data collection to address plastic pollution on UK coasts. Similarly, the Center, a US-based organization, has petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate plastics as a pollutant and works to stop plastic pollution at its source.
Supporting Legal Action
Some organizations take legal action against companies that produce plastic consumer goods, holding them accountable for their environmental impact. Supporting these initiatives can be done through donations, spreading awareness, or joining grassroots resistance movements.
Promoting Public Education
Public education is vital in preventing littering and reducing the consumption of disposable products. Support campaigns that advocate for increased funding for public education on plastic pollution prevention. Additionally, you can actively contribute to these efforts by educating those around you about the impacts of plastic pollution and how they can make a difference.
Advocating for Global Treaties
Plastic pollution is a global issue that transcends national boundaries. Support campaigns that push for global treaties negotiated by the United Nations or other international bodies. These treaties aim to address plastic pollution through ambitious reductions in plastic production, the phasing out of harmful products, and the adoption of strong national plans and reporting requirements.
By lending your voice and support to these petitions and campaigns, you can help drive systemic change to tackle marine plastic pollution at its source and protect our oceans and marine life.
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Avoid plastic micro scrubbers in beauty products
Marine plastic pollution is a pressing issue that poses a direct threat to wildlife, with thousands of marine animals dying each year from ingesting plastic or getting entangled in it. The problem is pervasive, with plastic pollution affecting all ecosystems, including marine environments. To combat this crisis, individuals can play a crucial role in reducing plastic pollution by adopting more sustainable practices. One significant way to contribute is by avoiding plastic micro scrubbers in beauty products.
Plastic micro scrubbers, commonly known as microbeads, are tiny plastic particles found in exfoliating products such as face and body scrubs, as well as some toothpastes. These microbeads are too small to be effectively captured by wastewater treatment processes, allowing them to wash directly into oceans and water bodies. Once in the marine environment, they pose a severe risk to aquatic life, including fish and other sea creatures, which may ingest them. The impact of this plastic ingestion can lead to intestinal injuries and even death.
To make informed choices, consumers can take proactive steps to identify and avoid products containing plastic micro scrubbers. Checking product labels is essential to ensure that certain ingredients are not present. These ingredients include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and nylon (PA). By being vigilant about these ingredients, consumers can actively choose products that are free of microplastics, thereby reducing their environmental impact.
Additionally, consumers can take advantage of helpful resources such as the Beat the Microbead campaign and its associated smartphone app. This app enables users to scan product barcodes to detect the presence of plastics. Similarly, Fauna & Flora International's Good Scrub Guide is another valuable source of information for making informed choices. By consulting these resources, individuals can make more sustainable decisions when purchasing beauty and personal care products.
By avoiding plastic micro scrubbers in beauty products, individuals can collectively make a significant impact in reducing marine plastic pollution. This small but meaningful action contributes to a broader effort to protect marine life and preserve the health of our oceans. It is important to remember that our choices as consumers have far-reaching consequences, and by opting for microplastic-free alternatives, we can help foster a cleaner and safer environment for future generations.
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Frequently asked questions
Marine plastic pollution has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species, and 43% of all marine mammal species. The plastic waste in the oceans is ingested by marine animals, causing internal injury and death, or the animals get entangled in the plastic waste, causing strangulation. Marine plastic pollution also mars otherwise beautiful beaches, coastlines, and snorkelling and diving sites worldwide.
Most of the plastic pollution in the oceans comes from land. Trash is carried to the sea by major rivers, wind, water streams, and sewage systems. In the marine environment, plastic pollution originates primarily from land runoff, but also includes paint shed from shipping, discarded fishing gear, and more.
The best solution to reducing plastic pollution is to focus on areas where we can have the greatest impact, such as rivers and coastlines. We can also reduce our individual plastic pollution footprint by opting for reusable products such as water bottles and carrier bags instead of single-use plastic products. We can also avoid using products that contain plastic microbeads, such as face scrubs, toothpastes, and body washes, by looking for "polythelene" and "polypropylene" on the ingredient labels.
Organisations such as the Marine Conservation Society host beach and river cleanups, such as the Great British Beach Clean, to reduce ocean plastic build-up. The Clean Water Action's ReThink Disposable program has also been awarded a NOAA Marine Debris Pollution Prevention Grant to launch in 6 of its offices along the East Coast and the Great Lakes. The IUCN supports ambitious reductions in plastic production, phasing out harmful subsidies, eliminating products and chemicals of concern, and agreeing on the adoption of strong national plans.
