Ocean Pollution: Actionable Steps To Make A Difference

Ocean pollution is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention. With millions of tons of plastic polluting our oceans, it is essential to take action to protect this vital resource. Plastic pollution has far-reaching consequences, impacting marine life, human health, food sources, and coastal tourism. The direct effects on humans are primarily health-related, with ingestion of toxins from plastic linked to various diseases. To address this issue, individuals can make simple changes such as reducing single-use plastic consumption, participating in beach cleanups, and supporting legislation to curb plastic production. Additionally, it is crucial to dispose of herbicides, pesticides, and cleaning products properly and reduce vehicle pollution by using fuel-efficient vehicles or opting for carpooling and biking. These collective efforts can help protect our oceans and ensure a sustainable future for all.

Reduce the use of single-use plastics

Reducing the use of single-use plastics is one of the most effective ways to tackle ocean pollution. Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, utensils, dry cleaning bags, and takeout containers, are used once and then discarded, often ending up in our oceans. Here are some ways we can reduce our reliance on these harmful products:

Refuse and Reduce

The first step is to refuse any single-use plastics that are not necessary, such as straws, plastic bags, and takeout containers. By simply saying no to these items, we can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste we generate. It is also important to be mindful of our consumption habits and opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible. For example, instead of using plastic bags, we can carry reusable grocery bags made from cloth, string, or wicker. Similarly, we can switch from plastic water bottles to reusable bottles made from metal or glass.

Reuse and Recycle

In addition to refusing and reducing, we can also reuse and recycle single-use plastics. For example, instead of throwing away plastic containers, we can wash and reuse them for storing food or other items. It is also essential to properly recycle single-use plastics that can be recycled. Currently, only about 9% of plastic waste is recycled globally, with the rest ending up in landfills, incinerators, and our oceans. By increasing our recycling efforts, we can keep plastics out of the ocean and reduce the demand for "new" plastic.

Support Legislation and Initiatives

While individual actions are important, we also need systemic change to address the plastic pollution crisis effectively. We can support local, national, and international legislation that aims to reduce plastic production, improve waste management, and hold plastic producers accountable for their waste. For example, the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act in the United States is a comprehensive federal bill addressing plastic pollution. We can also advocate for extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation, which makes plastic producers and distributors responsible for their products and packaging at the end of their life cycle.

Educate and Advocate

Another way to reduce the use of single-use plastics is to educate ourselves and others about the harmful effects of plastic pollution. We can learn about the impact of plastic on marine life and the environment and share this knowledge with our friends, family, and community. We can also advocate for change by contacting companies that use excessive plastic packaging and urging them to adopt more sustainable practices. Additionally, we can support organizations working to reduce and eliminate ocean plastic pollution, such as the Oceanic Society and the Plastic Pollution Coalition.

Sustainable Shopping

When shopping, we can make conscious choices to reduce our plastic consumption. This includes buying less plastic and choosing products with minimal or recyclable packaging. We can also opt for bulk purchases and bring our own reusable containers to avoid using plastic bags provided by grocery stores. By making sustainable shopping choices, we can reduce the demand for single-use plastics and promote more environmentally friendly alternatives.

Support legislation to curb plastic production

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

At the international level, a global plastics treaty has been signed by 175 UN member states, which will set rules and regulations to reduce plastic pollution. This treaty is an important step towards addressing the plastic pollution crisis on a global scale.

In the United States, the 2021 Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act is a federal bill that aims to address the issue. Additionally, there are state-level initiatives to introduce extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation, which makes plastic producers and distributors responsible for their products and packaging at the end of their life cycle.

We can also support the adoption of policies that limit, tax, or ban unnecessary single-use plastic items such as plastic bags, takeout containers, and bottles. These policies have already been successfully enacted in many places globally, and we can advocate for similar measures in our own communities.

Furthermore, we should support legislation that encourages the development and use of sustainable materials that maintain the performance characteristics of plastics without the negative environmental impact. Banning hard-to-manage substances, such as expanded polystyrene, and limiting the use of chemicals of concern are also important steps to address plastic pollution.

By supporting and advocating for these legislative measures, we can make a significant impact in reducing plastic production and curbing plastic pollution on a larger scale.

Participate in river and beach cleanups

Participating in river and beach cleanups is a direct and rewarding way to combat ocean plastic pollution. Here are some ways to get involved:

Beach Cleanups

Beach cleanups are organised events where volunteers come together to remove litter, debris, and other pollutants from beaches and coastal areas. These events are essential in combating the growing problem of marine pollution and protecting marine life and coastal communities. Beach cleanups are typically organised by local environmental groups, non-profit organisations, schools, or businesses. They can also be part of larger-scale initiatives such as International Coastal Cleanup Day, which is held annually and involves millions of volunteers worldwide.

River Cleanups

Rivers are the main source of ocean plastic pollution, carrying waste from land to the sea. By participating in river cleanups, you can help prevent plastic from reaching the ocean. The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organisation, aims to tackle these polluting rivers by deploying technology such as the Interceptor, a high-tech, solar-powered solution for extracting waste.

How to Get Involved

• Join existing cleanups – Look for local community cleanups organised by environmental groups, non-profit organisations, or schools. You can also participate in larger-scale events like International Coastal Cleanup Day.
• Organise a cleanup – If there are no existing cleanups in your area, consider organising one yourself. Reach out to local community groups or non-profit organisations for support and collaboration.
• Support organisations – Donate to or volunteer with non-profit organisations working to reduce and eliminate ocean plastic pollution, such as The Ocean Cleanup, Oceanic Society, or Plastic Pollution Coalition.
• Educate and raise awareness – Educate yourself and others about the impacts of ocean pollution and the importance of responsible waste disposal. Raise awareness in your community and advocate for systemic solutions to tackle the issue effectively.

Avoid products with microbeads

Microbeads are tiny plastic particles that are commonly found in face scrubs, toothpastes, and body washes. Due to their small size, they often slip through wastewater treatment plants and end up in our oceans, contributing to plastic pollution and harming marine life. Here are some ways to avoid products with microbeads:

Read the Label:

Look for any marketing language mentioning the exfoliating power of "microbeads" in the product. This is usually highlighted as a key feature of the product.

Check the Ingredients:

Look for "polyethylene" or "polypropylene" on the ingredient labels of your cosmetic products. These indicate the presence of plastic microbeads. Other names to look out for include "polyethylene terephthalate (PET)", "polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)", and "nylon". Opt for natural, biodegradable alternatives such as jojoba beads, sweet almond meal, or natural sugar crystals for exfoliation.

Use Apps:

Take advantage of mobile applications such as "Beat the Microbead" that help you identify products containing microbeads. This app allows you to scan the barcode of a product and immediately informs you if it contains microbeads.

Choose Natural Alternatives:

Instead of using plastic-based exfoliating products, consider natural alternatives such as sugar, salt, coffee grounds, or baking soda. These alternatives are effective and eco-friendly, providing a cheap and safe option for personal care.

Support Legislation:

While individual actions are important, large-scale solutions are also necessary to combat the issue of microbeads in cosmetics. Support and advocate for legislation that bans the use of microbeads in cosmetic products. A collective effort is required to ensure that manufacturers produce safe and environmentally friendly alternatives.

Conserve water

Conserving water is an important step in reducing ocean pollution. Excess runoff and wastewater from water usage can flow into the ocean, so reducing water usage is a simple and effective way to help protect the ocean.

Water conservation starts with individuals in the home and the workplace. Heating and pumping water requires energy and chemicals, so by wasting less water, we can conserve fuel and reduce pollution generated by burning fuel and treating water with chemicals.

There are many ways to conserve water in your daily life. For example, you can install a water-efficient showerhead, take short showers, and draw less water for baths. You can also install a low-flow toilet, which uses 1.6 gallons or less per flush. Another simple way to conserve water is to turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving.

You can also conserve water when doing laundry. Only run your washing machine with a full load of clothes, and adjust the settings to the proper load size. If possible, wash with cold water instead of hot, and hang your clothes to dry instead of using a dryer.

Conserving water outdoors is also important. Water your lawn or garden in the early morning or evening to avoid evaporation, and use drought-tolerant plants and grasses to reduce the amount of water needed.

Frequently asked questions