Chloe Zhang
Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing global issue. It is estimated that the world dumps 2,000 truckloads of plastic into the ocean, rivers, and lakes every day, with plastic debris accounting for the majority of marine debris. While the exact amount of plastic in the ocean is difficult to determine, scientists estimate that about 8 million metric tons of plastic entered the ocean in 2010, and the problem has only grown since. This plastic pollution has devastating consequences for marine life and ecosystems, with 17% of affected species listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The impact of plastic pollution is long-lasting, as plastic can take hundreds of years to degrade. While recycling is a critical solution, the process is complex and varied, and only about 10% of the plastic produced globally is currently recycled.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount of plastic dumped into the ocean each year | 8 million metric tons |
| Amount of plastic dumped into the ocean each day | 2,000 truckloads |
| Percentage of plastic waste that ends up in the ocean | 0.5% |
| Percentage of plastic waste that is recycled | 9% |
| Percentage of plastic that is recycled, incinerated, or stored in sealed landfills | 25% |
| Percentage of plastic that is mismanaged and at risk of leaking into the environment | 20% |
| Most common types of plastic that are recycled | PET, HDPE, PP |
| Companies using recycled ocean plastic | Adidas, Unifi, Bureo, CityPlace, Net-works |
| Strategies to reduce ocean plastic | Reduce plastic use, reuse and recycle plastic, participate in cleanups, improve waste management systems |
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What You'll Learn
The recycling process
- PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): Typically used for soda and water bottles.
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Used for packaging products like milk, detergents, and hair care products.
- PP (Polypropylene): Used in clothing and ropes, as well as tubs and bottles.
Other types of plastic can be recycled but are harder to capture and clean, such as plastic wraps and films.
The first step in the recycling process is to collect the plastic waste, which can be done by individuals, communities, or organisations. This can involve beach clean-ups, participation in programs like NOAA's Marine Debris Program, or even turning to fishing villages for alternative means of catching fish to reduce plastic waste in the ocean.
Once the plastic waste is collected, it needs to be sorted. Modern recycling facilities use optical sorting, where the recyclable material is spread on a conveyor belt and passed under a bright light. A spectrometer identifies each material based on the spectrum of light it absorbs and reflects, and compressed air transfers the material to an appropriate receptacle for further inspection.
After sorting, the plastic waste is shipped to a supplier where it is upcycled and reworked into raw materials ready for reuse. For example, Adidas, in collaboration with Parley for the Oceans, collects plastic waste from coastal areas, upcycles it into yarn, and uses it to create running shoes.
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How much plastic is recycled?
While cleanup efforts are commendable, they are not a panacea for the immense challenge of ocean plastic pollution. The real solution lies in systemic change, including reducing single-use plastics, promoting recycling, and fostering sustainable practices.
It is estimated that around one to two million tonnes of plastic end up in our oceans each year, with previous estimates reaching as high as eight million tonnes. Rich countries produce the most plastic waste per person, but the mismanagement of waste in low-to-middle-income countries contributes significantly to ocean plastic pollution. This mismanagement, which includes a lack of recycling, incineration, or proper landfilling, allows plastic to leak into rivers, lakes, and oceans.
The majority of plastic in the ocean breaks down into tiny particles, making it difficult to collect and recycle. Only about 3% of ocean plastic is estimated to float on or near the surface. The rest fragments into millimetre-long pieces, attaches to other debris and sinks, or is consumed by marine animals. Ocean plastic also becomes contaminated with salt, sand, and sea life, making it challenging to recycle into high-quality products.
Despite the challenges, some organizations are actively working to clean up ocean plastic. Ocean Cleanup, a Dutch nonprofit, aims to remove 90% of floating plastic pollution in the ocean. Their current system has successfully removed 220,000 pounds of plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. However, it is important to recognize that even with these efforts, the solution to ocean plastic pollution requires fundamental changes in how we produce, consume, and dispose of plastic.
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Reducing plastic waste
While it is difficult to determine exactly how much plastic is in the ocean, scientists estimate that about 8 million metric tons of plastic entered the ocean in 2010. This is a huge problem as plastic does not decompose, meaning it can wreak havoc on marine ecosystems indefinitely.
To tackle this issue, we must focus on reducing plastic waste. Here are some ways to do this:
Reduce Plastic Consumption
The first step is to be more aware of how and why you use plastic. Identify the plastic items you use daily and look for alternatives. For example, instead of using plastic bags, bring your own reusable bag for shopping. Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water, and use cloth napkins and reusable dishes, glasses, and cutlery.
Reuse and Repurpose
Before discarding plastic items, consider if they can be reused or repurposed. For instance, you can wash and reuse plastic containers, bottles, and bags. You can also buy second-hand plastic items, reducing the demand for new plastic products.
Recycle
Properly recycle plastic waste to ensure it doesn't end up in the ocean. Check with your local recycling program to understand the types of plastic they accept. Participate in local clean-up initiatives to collect and recycle plastic waste. Additionally, support companies that use recycled plastic in their products, such as Adidas' running shoes made from marine plastic waste.
Support Policy Changes
Urge local officials to introduce legislation that discourages plastic bag use and promotes sustainable alternatives. Support policies that improve waste management, especially in poorer countries, where waste management infrastructure may be lacking, to prevent plastic from entering the ocean.
Educate and Encourage
Educate yourself and others about the issue of ocean plastic pollution. Spread awareness about the impact of plastic on marine life and the environment. Encourage others to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic, and support initiatives that aim to tackle this global issue.
By implementing these strategies, we can all play a part in reducing plastic waste and protecting our oceans.
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Reusing plastic
While it is difficult to determine exactly how much plastic is in the ocean, scientists estimate that about 8 million metric tons of plastic entered the ocean in 2010. This is a huge problem as plastic does not biodegrade and can cause havoc on marine life and ecosystems.
One way to tackle this issue is by reusing plastic items. Reusing plastic is an effective way to reduce plastic waste and keep it out of the ocean. Here are some ways to reuse plastic:
Replace single-use items with reusable options
Single-use plastic items, such as straws, cups, and bags, can be replaced with reusable alternatives. For example, carry a reusable straw with a case to use at restaurants. Bring your own travel mug, cup, or thermos when getting a drink.
Choose biodegradable or reusable cutlery
Instead of plastic cutlery, opt for biodegradable or reusable options. Bamboo cutlery, for instance, can be washed and reused multiple times. Biodegradable cutlery made from materials like paper or cardboard can be tossed or composted.
Bring your own bags for grocery shopping
Avoid using plastic bags provided by grocery stores by bringing your own reusable bags, including bags for loose produce and pre-packaged items. You can even knit or crochet your own grocery bag from old plastic bags.
Reuse plastic containers for storage
Flat plastic containers can be used to organize drawers and store items such as cords and chargers. Plastic bottles can also be used to store extra paint or touch-up paint.
Upcycle plastic into creative projects
Get creative and turn plastic bottles into hanging gardens or mount them on a garden wall. Plastic bottles can also be used for starting seedlings or as a crunchy toy for pets.
By adopting these practices and encouraging others to do the same, we can significantly reduce plastic waste and minimize its impact on our oceans.
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The future of recycled-plastic products
Innovations in Recycling Technology: The development of poly(diketoenamine) (PDK) by researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is a significant breakthrough. PDK is a type of plastic that can be infinitely recycled without any loss in quality. This recyclable plastic has the potential to be commercially competitive with conventional plastics, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.
Corporate Initiatives: Several companies are incorporating recycled plastic into their products and packaging. For instance, Adidas, in collaboration with Parley for the Oceans, created a running shoe made from marine plastic waste. Unifi, a manufacturer that spins plastic into yarn, has produced graduation gowns from recycled plastic. Additionally, companies like Saltwater Brewery and Clif Bar have taken steps to reduce plastic usage, with Saltwater Brewery offering edible six-pack rings made from barley, and Clif Bar switching their packaging to 100% recycled paperboard.
Policy and Advocacy: Governments and organizations are recognizing the importance of recycling and are taking steps to promote sustainable practices. The European Union, for example, aims to create a circular economy for plastics, with a goal to have all plastic packaging made from reusable and recyclable materials by 2030. Additionally, some countries plan to impose fees or charges on plastic products that use non-recycled materials, providing a financial incentive for companies to adopt recycled plastics.
Consumer Awareness and Demand: Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of plastic waste. By reducing their plastic usage, reusing and recycling plastic products, and supporting companies that use recycled content, individuals can play a crucial role in driving the demand for recycled-plastic products.
Addressing Demand Fluctuations: To ensure the success of recycled-plastic products, it is essential to address demand fluctuations and the economic imbalances between virgin and recycled plastics. Implementing mandatory domestic recycled content minimums and long-term contracts for recycled content supply can help stabilize the market for recycled materials.
In conclusion, the future of recycled-plastic products holds great potential. With advancements in recycling technology, corporate initiatives, policy changes, consumer awareness, and efforts to stabilize demand, we can move towards a more sustainable future and reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.
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Frequently asked questions
Ocean plastic is not recycled very fast. In fact, only about 9-10% of the plastic we produce is currently being recycled. The rest is either incinerated, dumped in landfills, or ends up in our oceans and the environment.
Several companies are taking steps to reduce plastic pollution and recycle ocean waste. For instance, Adidas, in collaboration with Parley for Oceans, created a running shoe made from marine plastic waste. Similarly, Bureo, a sustainable skateboard company, manufactures skateboards from recycled fishing nets.
Individuals can make a difference by being aware of the issue, using less plastic, recycling or reusing plastic, and advocating for better waste management systems and policies. Participating in local cleanups and supporting organisations working on this issue can also help.
