Helping Ocean Life: Reducing Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution in the ocean is one of the most pressing environmental issues facing the world today. It is a global crisis that requires urgent action and worldwide cooperation. The consequences of plastic pollution affect the entire planet and its inhabitants, including marine life, ecosystems, food safety, human health, and coastal tourism, and it contributes to climate change. With only about 10% of plastic currently being recycled, the rest is either incinerated, causing air pollution, or ends up in our oceans and the environment. To combat this issue, individuals, societies, and organizations are working together to reduce plastic pollution and save the planet. This includes recycling plastic waste, supporting legislation to reduce plastic use and production, developing new technologies to intercept and clean up plastic waste, and educating others about the problem.

Organisations like Ocean Conservancy and The Ocean Cleanup are working to remove plastic from oceans

Organisations like Ocean Conservancy and The Ocean Cleanup are working tirelessly to remove plastic from the oceans. Ocean Conservancy has been fighting for trash-free seas for over 30 years. The organisation has brought together nearly 17 million volunteers from 155 countries to participate in the annual International Coastal Cleanup®. Together, these volunteers have collected more than 348 million pounds of trash from beaches and oceans. Ocean Conservancy also advocates for policies that promote waste collection and recycling, which can help prevent plastic waste from entering the ocean in the first place.

The Ocean Cleanup, on the other hand, is a non-profit organisation that uses advanced technologies to rid the oceans of plastic. Their goal is to remove 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040. To achieve this ambitious target, they are developing and scaling river interception technologies and ocean cleanup systems. One of their key strategies is to intercept plastic in rivers, which is the source of 80% of ocean plastic pollution. The Ocean Cleanup has deployed cleaning technologies around the world and has removed tens of millions of kilograms of plastic from oceans and rivers.

In addition to these large-scale efforts, Ocean Conservancy and The Ocean Cleanup also emphasise the importance of individual action in reducing plastic waste. Ocean Conservancy encourages people to take action and fight for policies that keep oceans trash-free, while The Ocean Cleanup seeks dedicated individuals to join their international team and help make a difference.

Both organisations recognise that the plastic pollution crisis requires urgent action and a combination of approaches, including waste management, systemic change, and innovative technologies, to effectively address the issue and restore the health of our ocean ecosystems.

By working together and leveraging the support of individuals, governments, and other organisations, Ocean Conservancy and The Ocean Cleanup are making significant strides towards removing plastic from our oceans and creating a sustainable future for our planet.

People can refuse single-use plastics and opt for reusable alternatives

People can play a significant role in reducing plastic waste and helping to clean up the oceans by refusing single-use plastics and opting for reusable alternatives. This is especially important considering that the primary source of ocean plastic pollution is land-based, with 80% of plastic in the ocean originating on land.

Single-use plastic products, used once or for a short period before disposal, have drastic effects on the environment and human health. These products are more likely to end up in the oceans than reusable options, becoming ingested by marine life and entering the human food chain. Therefore, it is essential to choose reusable or recyclable products instead.

One way to do this is by saying no to disposable plastic cutlery, straws, and containers when ordering takeaway. Instead, carry your own reusable cutlery, such as bamboo utensils or a travel cutlery set. You can also request that food outlets put your takeaway directly into your reusable container. Glass containers, stainless steel lunch boxes, and mason jars are excellent eco-friendly options. Additionally, choose cuisines like pizza or Mexican food, which typically don't require plastic packaging.

Another way to reduce single-use plastic waste is by opting for eco-friendly decorations and avoiding helium balloons, which are a significant threat to seabirds. Instead, decorate with paper lanterns, reusable bunting, DIY bubble blowers, and flowers. When it comes to straws, go straw-free, or choose stainless steel, bamboo, pasta, rice, paper, or reusable silicone straws. These simple switches can make a significant impact in reducing plastic waste.

By making these conscious choices and refusing single-use plastics, individuals can play a crucial role in protecting our oceans and the environment. It is important to remember that small steps can lead to significant changes, and every effort counts in the fight against plastic pollution.

Recycling plastic waste can prevent it from ending up in the ocean

Plastic pollution is a global crisis that requires urgent action. Recycling plastic waste is one of the many ways to prevent plastic from ending up in the ocean. While recycling alone cannot solve the plastics crisis, it is important to reduce the footprint of our waste stream.

The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organization, has set an ambitious goal of removing 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040 through the development and scaling of cleanup technologies. They have been researching, extracting, and monitoring plastic pollution in oceans and rivers globally, with tens of millions of kilograms removed to date.

The main source of ocean plastic pollution is land-based, with 80% of plastic in the ocean originating on land. Plastic waste can be blown away and end up in the ocean when transported to landfills. Litter dropped on the streets can also be carried by rainwater and wind into streams, rivers, and drains, eventually leading to the ocean. Improper waste disposal, such as illegal dumping, contributes significantly to the plastic surge in the seas.

To address the issue of ocean plastic pollution, it is crucial to focus on waste management and recycling. By implementing waste collection and recycling practices globally, we can not only reduce ocean plastic pollution but also improve public health. Additionally, supporting the development of fundamental waste collection and management in countries with rapidly growing economies and increasing disposable plastic usage can help prevent plastic from entering the ocean.

Furthermore, reducing plastic consumption and choosing products with non-plastic packaging can also contribute to preventing plastic waste from ending up in the ocean. Every individual can play a part in fighting ocean plastic pollution by making conscious choices and supporting global initiatives aimed at tackling this global crisis.

Global waste collection and recycling can improve public health and prevent food chain contamination

The presence of plastic in the ocean is a pressing issue that requires worldwide cooperation. It threatens ocean health, marine life, food safety, human health, and coastal tourism, and contributes to climate change. While individual actions, such as reducing plastic consumption and properly disposing of plastic waste, are important, they are not sufficient to address the scale of the problem.

One key aspect of tackling plastic pollution in the ocean is improving waste collection and recycling on a global scale. Implementing effective waste management systems can prevent plastic from reaching the ocean in the first place. This includes supporting the development of waste collection infrastructure in countries with rapidly growing economies and high plastic consumption, as well as promoting recycling and reducing plastic waste. By improving waste collection and recycling globally, we can not only address ocean plastic pollution but also improve public health and prevent food chain contamination.

The proper disposal and recycling of plastic waste can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases and reduce respiratory illnesses caused by the open-air burning of waste. It can also stop plastic from entering our food chain, which can have detrimental effects on both human and animal health. Microplastics, formed when plastic decomposes, can be ingested by marine life and eventually enter the human food chain, posing a significant risk to our health.

Various organizations are actively working towards cleaning up the oceans and raising awareness about plastic pollution. The Ocean Cleanup, for example, is a non-profit organization that aims to remove 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040 through the development and deployment of cleanup technologies. Additionally, Ocean Conservancy has mobilized millions of volunteers worldwide to participate in their annual International Coastal Cleanup®, removing trash from beaches and preventing it from reaching the ocean.

Grassroots activism and local initiatives also play a crucial role in combating plastic pollution. Individuals like Lawyer Afroz Shah, who received the UN's Champions of the Earth honor in 2016, have made significant contributions by organizing beach cleanups, educating communities about plastic pollution, and advocating for mindset changes regarding plastic consumption and disposal. These collective efforts demonstrate a growing global awareness and commitment to addressing the plastic pollution crisis and mitigating its impact on public health and food chain contamination.

Individuals can participate in or organise cleanups of their local beach or waterway

The plastic pollution crisis is a pressing issue that requires collective action from governments, corporations, and individuals. While systemic change is crucial, individual efforts to reduce, properly dispose of, and clean up plastic waste also play a significant role in mitigating the problem.

Beach and waterway cleanups are essential in preventing plastic pollution from entering the ocean and harming marine life and ecosystems. Individuals can make a difference by participating in or organising cleanup initiatives in their local communities.

Participating in Beach Cleanups

Joining existing beach or waterway cleanup projects is a straightforward way for individuals to contribute. Many organisations facilitate such initiatives, providing opportunities for volunteers to get involved. Examples include Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup®, which has engaged over 17 million volunteers worldwide, and Ocean Blue Project, which has removed over 1 million pounds of debris since 2012.

Individuals can also connect with groups like Plastic Free Seas, which offers monthly community beach cleanups and encourages participation from individuals, families, and students. Social media platforms like Facebook and online resources can help identify local cleanup events and organisations to join.

Organising a Beach Cleanup

For those who want to take the lead, organising a beach cleanup can be a rewarding experience. Here are some steps to consider:

• Site Selection and Planning: Choose a beach or waterway that is not regularly cleaned by government contractors. Conduct a site visit to assess accessibility, safety, and the amount of rubbish. Identify the nearest bins for general waste and recycling, and plan how you will collect and dispose of the trash.
• Essentials and Resources: Ensure you have the necessary equipment, including trash bags, buckets, gloves, hand sanitiser, water, sunscreen, and a first aid kit. Reach out to local recycling facilities to accept different types of waste. Contact local businesses for donations of water, supplies, food, and help with advertising the event.
• Volunteer Recruitment: Engage your community by talking to friends, family, and coworkers. Utilise social media platforms like Facebook to create events, recruit volunteers, and spread awareness.
• Documentation and Education: Take photos and share your cleanup efforts on social media to inspire others. Submit your findings to databases like the NOAA Marine Debris Tracker app to contribute to global data collection on beach debris.

By participating in or organising beach and waterway cleanups, individuals can make a tangible difference in their local ecosystems and contribute to the global effort to protect our oceans from plastic pollution.

Frequently asked questions