Kiera Jefferson
Ocean pollution is a pressing issue that has attracted the attention of individuals, organizations, and governments worldwide. The problem of plastic pollution, in particular, has led to the development of various solutions and initiatives to combat it. One notable effort is the global plastics treaty enacted by United Nations member states, which aims to set international standards and regulations to reduce plastic pollution. Additionally, local communities and organizations have taken it upon themselves to organize beach cleanups and promote sustainable practices to prevent plastic waste from reaching the oceans. At the same time, companies are adopting naturally decomposing plastics, and organizations like The Ocean Cleanup are developing innovative technologies to extract and monitor plastic pollution. These collective efforts demonstrate a growing awareness and commitment to tackling ocean pollution and mitigating its harmful impacts on marine life, ecosystems, and human health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Global treaties | Global rules and regulations to reduce plastic pollution |
| Legislation | Limits, taxes, or bans on unnecessary single-use plastic items |
| Recycling | Only 9% of plastic is currently recycled worldwide |
| Beach cleanups | The Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit organization aiming to remove 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040 |
| Individual actions | Using less water, choosing non-toxic chemicals, reducing waste, buying less plastic, using fuel-efficient vehicles, etc. |
| EPA initiatives | Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA); monitoring ocean disposal sites and vessels; regulating ocean dumping |
| Naturally decomposing plastics | Using PLA, which breaks down naturally with little to no pollution |
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What You'll Learn
Beach cleanups and local clean-up organizations
Beach cleanups and local cleanup organizations are a direct and rewarding way to combat ocean plastic pollution. They are community-driven initiatives that aim to protect marine ecosystems, raise environmental awareness, and preserve the beauty of coastal areas. While beach cleanups may only provide a temporary solution by focusing on the symptom rather than the cause, they are still valuable in engaging communities and providing immediate relief to local ecosystems.
Beach cleanups can be organized by individuals, local environmental groups, non-profit organizations, schools, or businesses. They can take place on remote and uninhabited beaches, river mouths, estuaries, coastal areas within national parks, industrial ports, and even in local parks or waterways. By participating in or organizing these cleanups, individuals can take action to remove plastic waste and trash from the environment, preventing it from entering the ocean.
One example of a local cleanup organization is Heal the Bay, which operates in Los Angeles County, California. They offer a variety of programs, including beach cleanups, and provide educational content for children and adults. Heal the Bay relies on the support of corporate and foundation sponsors to pursue its mission of making California's coastal waters and watersheds safe, healthy, and clean.
International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) is another example of a global beach cleanup initiative. ICC engages millions of volunteers worldwide to remove trash from beaches and waterways. It is coordinated by Ocean Conservancy and has resulted in the collection of more than 380 million pounds of trash. ICC volunteers also contribute to a database on marine debris, helping to address the issue of plastic pollution.
In addition to participating in existing beach cleanups or local organizations, individuals can take initiative by organizing cleanups in their communities or favorite vacation spots. This can be done independently or with the support of friends and family, and there are resources available to help track and manage the trash collected during these efforts.
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Global treaties and legislation to reduce plastic use
Global treaties and legislation have been pivotal in reducing plastic use and, consequently, mitigating ocean pollution. One notable example is the global plastics treaty, signed by 175 member states of the United Nations, which aims to establish international rules and regulations to tackle plastic pollution. This treaty has spurred legislation targeting unnecessary single-use plastic items, such as plastic bags, takeout containers, and bottles. Many places worldwide have successfully implemented bans, taxes, or limitations on these items.
The Montreal Protocol is another significant global treaty that has indirectly contributed to reducing plastic pollution. While its primary focus is on ozone-depleting substances, it demonstrates the effectiveness of unified global bans. Since its establishment, the Montreal Protocol has phased out over 99% of ozone-depleting substances, showcasing the potential for similar approaches to address plastic pollution.
The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) is a crucial piece of legislation enforced by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its Regional Offices. The MPRSA aims to prevent or limit the dumping of any material that could adversely affect human health and the marine environment. In collaboration with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the EPA designates ocean disposal sites and manages the disposal process to ensure that it does not harm the ocean and coastal ecosystems.
Additionally, civil society groups and nongovernmental organizations have played a pivotal role in advocating for a legally binding global plastics treaty. In November 2022, during COP22 in Barcelona, Spain, Mediterranean countries joined the call for a global plastics treaty, bringing the total number of supporting countries to 156, which represents more than two-thirds of UN member states. This united front underscores the urgency and global support for comprehensive action to address plastic pollution.
While negotiations for a comprehensive global plastics treaty continue, local communities and individuals also play a crucial role in reducing plastic pollution. Beach cleanups, such as those organized by the Oceanic Society, directly address the issue by removing plastics from beaches and waterways, preventing them from entering the ocean. Individual actions, such as reducing plastic consumption, recycling, and supporting legislative efforts, are also essential components of the collective effort to combat ocean plastic pollution.
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EPA's Ocean Dumping Management Program
The US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Ocean Dumping Management Program is a crucial initiative to protect and preserve ocean and coastal resources. The program is administered by the EPA's Freshwater and Marine Regulatory Branch within the Office of Water (OW) in Washington, D.C., in collaboration with seven coastal Regional Offices.
The program's primary objective is to prevent and limit the dumping of any material that could adversely affect human health and the marine environment. This includes regulating the disposal of dredged material, which is managed in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The EPA is responsible for designating ocean disposal sites and ensuring that dumping activities do not harm the environment or human health.
A key component of the Ocean Dumping Management Program is the implementation of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA). Under the MPRSA, the EPA issues permits for the transportation and disposal of specific materials into the ocean. These permits ensure compliance with international treaties such as the London Convention and London Protocol, which aim to protect the marine environment from pollution caused by waste dumping.
The EPA Regional Offices play a vital role in the program's execution. They provide localized support, implement MPRSA general permits, and manage designated ocean disposal sites. These offices work closely with their counterparts in USACE Districts to regulate and manage the disposal of dredged materials, developing sampling and analysis plans to ensure the materials will not harm the marine environment.
Additionally, the EPA conducts monitoring surveys at ocean disposal sites, often in coordination with the USACE, to ensure compliance with permit terms and to verify that no adverse effects are occurring. They also monitor vessels transporting dredged materials to ensure safe and proper disposal procedures. The Ocean Dumping Management Program is a comprehensive initiative that involves multiple agencies and strict regulations to safeguard our oceans and coastal environments from the harmful impacts of ocean dumping.
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Use of biodegradable plastics
Biodegradable plastics are an important solution to the growing problem of ocean plastic pollution. Plastic pollution in the oceans is a serious global environmental concern, with an estimated 6.3 billion tons of plastic waste disposed of in the oceans since 1950. This waste gradually breaks down into microplastics, causing ecological and marine environmental degradation.
Biodegradable plastics are a potential solution to this issue. They are plastics that can be handled in the same way as conventional plastics, but after use, they break down at the molecular level through the action of microorganisms in the natural environment, transforming into water and carbon dioxide. This process is particularly effective in compost systems, where biodegradable plastics contribute to the production of high-quality organic fertilizer. Additionally, when incinerated, biodegradable plastics minimize atmospheric pollution due to their low calorific value.
The development and use of biodegradable plastics offer significant environmental benefits. For example, researchers at NC State have created a new biomaterial made from leftover sawdust powder and agro-residues that can replace Styrofoam. Styrofoam is non-recyclable and non-biodegradable, and its lightweight and buoyant properties allow it to travel long distances in water, posing a major threat to ecosystems and human health. The new biomaterial, on the other hand, is not only recyclable but also biodegradable in saltwater, providing nutrients to aquatic life over time.
Another example of biodegradable plastics in action is in the fishing industry. Longline fishery, a common fishing method worldwide, often uses plastic snoods made of materials like nylon or polyester that degrade very slowly in the marine environment. The use of biodegradable plastic snoods has the potential to reduce plastic pollution from lost or discarded fishing gear, which is a significant nature conservation concern.
While biodegradable plastics offer promising solutions, there are some challenges to their adoption. For instance, certain biodegradable plastics assumed to degrade on land by microorganisms do not easily degrade in the ocean. Additionally, the higher price of biodegradable materials compared to fossil fuel-derived materials can be a barrier to their widespread implementation. Nevertheless, governments and organizations are actively promoting the use of biodegradable plastics through initiatives like the Kyoto Protocol and the "Roadmap for Bioplastics Introduction" in Japan.
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Reducing water use and choosing non-toxic chemicals
Reducing Water Use
- One of the most effective ways to reduce water use is to adopt more efficient water usage practices in daily life. This includes simple actions such as using less water during daily activities like bathing, washing dishes, and gardening. By reducing water usage, there will be less excess runoff and wastewater that can flow into the ocean, thereby decreasing the pollution levels.
- Implementing water-saving technologies and devices can also help reduce water consumption. This can include installing low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilets, and water-efficient appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.
- Promoting water recycling and reuse practices can also contribute to reducing water use. This involves collecting rainwater, treating and reusing wastewater, and adopting greywater systems that redirect lightly used water from activities like laundry and bathing for other purposes like irrigation or flushing toilets.
Choosing Non-Toxic Chemicals
- It is essential to choose non-toxic, environmentally friendly chemicals and products whenever possible. This includes selecting natural or organic cleaning products, personal care items, and garden supplies that do not contain harmful chemicals. Reading labels and ingredient lists carefully can help identify products that are safer for the environment and your health.
- Properly disposing of toxic chemicals is crucial. Many communities have hazardous waste disposal programs or facilities that can safely handle chemicals like herbicides, pesticides, and cleaning products. Ensuring that these substances are disposed of correctly prevents them from entering the ocean and causing pollution.
- Supporting and advocating for regulations that limit the use of toxic chemicals in products is also essential. This includes encouraging manufacturers to adopt safer alternatives and promoting policies that restrict the use of harmful substances. By reducing the presence of toxic chemicals in common products, we can significantly decrease their impact on ocean ecosystems.
By implementing these measures and making conscious choices in our daily lives, we can significantly contribute to reducing water use and choosing non-toxic chemicals, ultimately helping to prevent ocean pollution and protect marine environments.
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Frequently asked questions
Individuals can help prevent ocean pollution by reducing their plastic consumption, recycling, and volunteering for beach cleanups.
The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) in the US is one example of legislation that aims to prevent ocean pollution by regulating the dumping of materials that could harm human health and the marine environment. Another example is the global plastics treaty signed by 175 member states of the United Nations, which will set international rules and regulations to reduce plastic pollution.
Yes, there are organizations such as The Ocean Cleanup that aim to remove plastic waste from oceans using technology. Other organizations like the Oceanic Society and the Marine Conservation Society host beach cleanups and raise awareness about the issue.
