Reducing Polluted Seas: Strategies For A Cleaner Future

The world's seas are being polluted by plastic at an alarming rate. Between 4 and 12 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, posing a serious danger to marine life. Animals can get tangled in plastic trash or ingest it, mistaking it for food. Plastic pollution in the oceans is also essentially irreversible, taking hundreds of years to degrade, and leaching toxic chemicals all the while. While individual actions can help reduce plastic pollution, such as refusing single-use plastics and recycling, it's also important to address the root of the problem: the corporations producing and promoting a culture of throw-away plastics.

Reduce single-use plastics, e.g. bags, bottles, straws, cups, utensils, containers

Reducing single-use plastics is one of the most effective ways to reduce pollution in the seas. Single-use plastics include plastic bags, bottles, straws, cups, utensils, containers, and dry cleaning bags.

Plastic bags

One of the most common plastic pollutants, plastic bags are often mistaken for jellyfish by turtles and other sea life, who can choke on them. Instead of using disposable plastic bags, opt for reusable tote bags when shopping. If you do end up with a plastic bag, reuse it as a bin liner instead of throwing it away.

Plastic bottles

Over a million plastic bottles are sold every minute globally, and they are one of the largest sources of single-use plastic. Invest in a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated without contributing to plastic waste. Also, remember to recycle any plastic bottles and bottle caps you do use.

Plastic straws and stirrers

While plastic straws are becoming less common, hundreds of thousands still remain in our oceans. Avoid using plastic straws and stirrers, and if you need a straw, opt for a reusable metal or bamboo alternative.

Plastic cups, plates, and cutlery

These items can remain in the sea for hundreds of years and pose a risk of injury to sea animals. Avoid using disposable plastic cups, plates, and cutlery, and instead opt for reusable alternatives made from materials like metal or bamboo.

Plastic food containers

Disposable plastic containers are a significant source of plastic waste. Avoid using them by cooking at home and packing your meals in reusable containers. When ordering takeout or dining out, bring your own reusable containers to avoid using disposable ones.

Making these small changes in our daily lives can significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastic that ends up in our oceans.

Support legislation to curb plastic production and waste

The plastic pollution crisis is one of the greatest threats to ocean health worldwide. With plastic production skyrocketing, low levels of recycling, and poor waste management, it is estimated that between 4 and 12 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year. This amount is projected to triple by 2060.

The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021 is a comprehensive federal bill that aims to address the plastic pollution crisis. It sets forth requirements and incentives to reduce the production of a variety of products and materials, including plastics, and increase efforts to collect, recycle, or compost products and materials. The bill also makes certain producers of products fiscally and environmentally responsible for collecting, managing, and recycling or composting the products after consumer use.

The bill includes:

• A phase-out of a list of single-use plastic products, such as plastic utensils.
• A tax on carryout bags.
• A temporary moratorium on new or expanded permits for facilities that manufacture plastics until regulations are updated to address pollution from these facilities.
• Guidelines for a national standardized labelling system for recycling and composting receptacles.
• Limitations on the export of plastic waste to other countries.

At the international level, hundreds of organizations and businesses have worked with United Nations member states to enact a global plastics treaty, signed by 175 member states, to reduce plastic pollution. This treaty sets global rules and regulations to reduce plastic pollution.

In addition to supporting such legislation, individuals can take action by reducing their own use of single-use plastics, participating in beach or waterway cleanups, avoiding products containing microbeads, and supporting organizations addressing plastic pollution.

Avoid products containing microbeads

To reduce plastic pollution in the seas, it is important to avoid products that contain microbeads. These tiny plastic particles, usually used for exfoliation, have become a significant source of ocean pollution in recent years. They are often found in face scrubs, toothpastes, and body washes, and can easily enter our oceans and waterways through our sewer systems. Here are some ways to avoid products containing microbeads:

• Read the labels carefully: Look for any marketing language mentioning the exfoliating power of "microbeads" in the product. This can be a clear indication that the product contains plastic microbeads.
• Check the ingredients: Look for specific types of plastic, such as "polyethylene" or "polypropylene," which are commonly used in microbeads. Other types of plastic to avoid include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and nylon. Opt for natural, biodegradable alternatives, such as grains, ground nut shells, or salt and 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 provide 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, sweet almond meal, or natural sugar crystals can be effective exfoliants without the environmental impact of microbeads.
• Support legislation and responsible companies: Advocate for legislation that bans or restricts the use of microbeads in cosmetic products. Additionally, choose to purchase from companies that have committed to phasing out microbeads from their products, such as Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, and Unilever.

By following these steps and being mindful of the products we use, we can all play a part in reducing plastic pollution in our oceans and minimizing the environmental impact of microbeads.

Reduce vehicle pollution by using fuel-efficient vehicles, carpooling, or riding a bike

There are many ways to reduce pollution in the seas. One of the main contributors to ocean pollution is plastic waste, including plastic bottles, food wrappers, bottle caps, plastic bags, and plastic cutlery. To combat this, individuals can make an effort to reduce their plastic consumption, and governments can implement bans on single-use plastics. Another significant source of ocean pollution is cigarette butts, which contain harmful toxins that can be ingested by marine animals and birds. Properly disposing of cigarettes and encouraging smoking cessation can help mitigate this issue.

One way to reduce vehicle pollution and, in turn, help reduce pollution in the seas, is by using fuel-efficient vehicles. Fuel-efficient vehicles emit fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants than traditional cars, helping to improve air quality and reduce the climate change impact of transportation. When shopping for a new car, look for vehicles with low greenhouse gas emissions, such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, or cleaner-burning gasoline vehicles. The EPA's Green Vehicle Guide and Fuel Economy and Environment Label can help you identify the most fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly options.

Another way to reduce vehicle pollution is through carpooling. By sharing rides with colleagues, neighbours, or friends, you can reduce the number of cars on the road, leading to fewer emissions and less pollution. Carpooling also offers social and economic benefits, such as building community, reducing traffic congestion, and lowering fuel costs. Various online tools and applications make it easier to find carpool partners or coordinate rides with others.

Finally, riding a bike instead of driving is an excellent way to reduce vehicle pollution. Bicycles do not use gas or release carbon dioxide, so they don't produce any harmful emissions or contribute to climate change. Increasing bicycle use can lead to significant pollution reduction, with moderate increases in bicycle use estimated to save 6 to 14 million tons of CO2 annually. Additionally, biking reduces the need for road construction, which can cause water runoff and ground and water pollution. It also helps reduce noise pollution and improves your physical and mental health.

Dispose of herbicides, pesticides, and cleaning products properly

To reduce pollution in the seas, it is important to dispose of herbicides, pesticides, and cleaning products properly. Improper disposal of these substances can have detrimental effects on the environment, including water bodies and the organisms that inhabit them. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive guidelines for proper disposal:

Herbicides and Pesticides

When dealing with herbicides and pesticides, it is crucial to follow the instructions on the product labels. Look for the "Storage and Disposal" statement on the label, which provides specific directions for safe disposal. If you have leftover herbicides or pesticides, it is recommended to use them up by applying them according to the label instructions. You can also ask your neighbors if they have similar pest control issues and can use up the excess.

If you have a large quantity of product remaining, contact your local solid waste management authority, environmental agency, or health department to inquire about hazardous waste collection programs. These programs are designed to handle unwanted and leftover herbicides and pesticides safely. Remember to keep the products in their original containers with the labels attached when transporting them to the collection site.

Never dispose of herbicides or pesticides by pouring them down sinks, toilets, sewers, or street drains. These substances can contaminate water sources and harm fish, plants, and other living organisms. Always wear protective clothing, such as chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, when handling and disposing of these products.

Cleaning Products

The disposal method for cleaning products depends on their type and consistency. In general, it is recommended to use up the products or donate them to local charities, churches, or homeless shelters if they are still usable. For disposal, read the labels carefully for specific instructions. Some cleaning products, such as antibacterial cleaners containing triclosan, should not be poured down the drain as they can contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

For liquid cleaning products, they can generally be poured down the drain with running water. However, do not pour large quantities at once, as this could clog your drain. Solid cleaning products or wipes can usually be disposed of in the trash. For other types of cleaners, such as furniture polish and oven cleaners, check with your local waste disposal facility for special instructions, as some may be considered hazardous waste.

Always recycle the containers of cleaning products after disposing of their contents. Most household cleaning product containers are made from recyclable plastics, such as PET and HDPE (plastic #1 and #2), which can be easily recycled through your local recycling program. Make sure to rinse or shake the containers to remove any residual product before recycling.

Frequently asked questions