The Ocean's Plastic Problem: Journaling Our Impact

Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing issue that poses a significant threat to marine life, ecosystems, and human health. While the exact amount of plastic in the ocean is challenging to determine, it is estimated that around 0.5% of the world's plastic waste, or approximately 1 to 1.7 million metric tons, ends up in the oceans annually. This plastic pollution comes from a variety of sources, including littering, improper waste management, and industrial fishing practices. The impact of this pollution is widespread, with plastic debris ingested by marine animals, leading to health issues and even death. As plastic production continues to increase, it is crucial to address this issue through improved waste management, reduced plastic consumption, and participation in cleanup efforts to protect our oceans and the life they sustain.

Mismanaged plastic waste

Marine litter is predominantly composed of mismanaged plastic waste, such as plastic packaging and small non-packaging plastic items (PPSI). Mismanaged plastic waste refers to plastic that is not recycled, incinerated, or securely landfilled. Instead, it is often burned in open pits, dumped into seas or open waters, or disposed of in unsanitary landfills and dumpsites.

The amount of plastic waste ending up in the ocean is difficult to quantify due to the varying forms plastic waste can take, from large fishing nets to tiny nanoplastics. However, it is estimated that around 0.5% of the world's plastic waste, or approximately 1 to 1.7 million tonnes, ends up in the ocean each year. This plastic waste primarily originates from land, with rivers being the main pathway for transporting litter to the sea.

Poor waste management is a significant contributor to the issue of mismanaged plastic waste. Inconsistent recycling policies, profit-driven business models, and resource-intensive industries are among the key concerns. While some regions have implemented tougher laws and regulations to tackle pollution, the increase in plastic waste generation, particularly in developed countries, continues to outpace improvements in waste management.

The impact of mismanaged plastic waste on marine ecosystems is significant. Unlike other types of waste, plastic does not decompose, leading to its indefinite presence in the ocean. As a result, plastic waste breaks down into smaller pieces known as microplastics, which are prevalent in deep-sea sediments. Marine animals often mistake these microplastics for food, leading to harmful consequences for aquatic life and, subsequently, human health.

Addressing the issue of mismanaged plastic waste requires a multifaceted approach. While waste management strategies, such as tighter waste collection systems and robust legal frameworks, are important, the primary focus should be on preventing waste generation. This can be achieved through reducing plastic use, reusing and recycling plastic items, and supporting initiatives aimed at protecting marine environments, such as the High Seas Treaty and the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution.

Plastic's impact on marine life

Marine life is facing a grave threat from plastic pollution. It is estimated that marine plastics contribute to the death of over 100,000 marine mammals annually. The impact of plastic pollution on marine life is varied and far-reaching, affecting all land, freshwater, and marine ecosystems.

Plastic pollution in the ocean comes primarily from land runoff, paint shed from shipping, discarded fishing gear, and littering. Once in the ocean, plastic does not biodegrade. It can be broken down into smaller pieces by natural factors such as solar radiation, wind, and waves, but these pieces, known as microplastics, remain in the ocean indefinitely. Microplastics can be as small as less than 100 nm, or nanoplastics, which can cross cell membrane walls and enter living organisms. They can also adsorb toxins, transferring them to the fatty tissues of organisms that ingest them. The long-term impacts of microplastics are still being studied, but they are already known to cause internal injuries in seabirds, leading to a condition called plasticosis, or plastic-induced fibrosis, which makes it difficult for birds to digest food.

Marine species often mistake plastic for food, leading to issues such as starvation, suffocation, and toxic contamination. A study of over 100 research papers on fish and plastic ingestion found that over two-thirds of the 500 species examined had consumed plastic. Molluscs such as mussels and oysters that filter seawater to feed have also been found to contain microplastics. In a study of mussels from UK waters, 100% of the samples were found to have microplastic pieces. Sea turtles, whales, and seabirds are also known to mistake plastic for prey, with balloons found lodged in whales' digestive tracts and plastic fragments causing internal injuries in seabirds.

Large items of plastic can also entangle marine mammals and fish, leading to injuries, loss of limbs, increased vulnerability to predators, and even death. Sea turtles and seabirds are particularly vulnerable to entanglement, which can inhibit their movement and feeding abilities. The impact of plastic pollution on marine life is not limited to individual species but also extends to entire ecosystems. Healthy mangroves and wetlands, for example, provide essential coastal protection and freshwater provision services, but they are now threatened by plastic pollution.

Addressing plastic pollution in the ocean requires a combination of global efforts and individual actions. While various incentives and organizations and treaties are working towards reducing plastic waste and protecting marine life, individuals can also play a part by reducing their plastic consumption, reusing and recycling plastic items, and participating in cleanup initiatives.

Microplastics in the ocean

Marine microplastics are small fragments of plastic debris that are less than five millimeters long. They can come from larger plastic debris that degrades into smaller pieces or can be produced as small plastics such as microbeads, which are found in products like toothpaste and face wash.

The prevalence of microplastics in the ocean is difficult to quantify due to their small size and the dynamic nature of ocean currents, which move them like confetti. However, estimates suggest that there are approximately 358 trillion microplastic particles floating on the ocean's surface, with countless more in deeper regions. Early studies indicated that around eight million tons of plastics enter the oceans annually, but more recent research suggests a range of one to 1.7 million tons. The fate of plastics once they enter the ocean has puzzled researchers, as only a small fraction is found floating on the surface.

Addressing the issue of microplastics in the ocean requires a multifaceted approach. It involves reducing plastic use, particularly single-use and disposable items, and properly disposing of and managing waste to prevent it from ending up in waterways and the ocean. Additionally, participating in cleanup efforts and supporting initiatives like the High Seas Treaty and the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution are crucial steps toward mitigating the impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems and the Earth's climate system.

Plastic's impact on human health

The impact of plastics on human health is a growing concern. Humans have dumped tons of plastic waste into the ocean over the past few decades, and plastic can take thousands of years to decay. As a result, plastics have entered the food chain, threatening human health.

Plastics in the ocean release greenhouse gases as they break down, contributing to climate change. They also disrupt marine microorganisms' crucial roles of sequestering carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, which further jeopardizes human health and the planet.

Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic less than 5 millimeters in size, have been found in the oceans, soil, air, and even human bodies. Humans constantly inhale and ingest microplastics through contaminated seafood, water, beverages, and even table salt. Different chemicals can leach from plastic products into our bodies, and these compounds are linked to serious health issues. These include endocrine disruption, weight gain, insulin resistance, and decreased reproductive health.

Other toxins in plastics are directly linked to cancers, birth defects, immune system problems, and childhood developmental issues. BPA, for example, is a chemical used in plastic bottles and food packaging materials that interferes with human hormonal function.

While the specific mechanisms are still being studied, the presence of microplastics in the human body is a matter of growing concern for the medical community.

Reducing plastic usage

The amount of plastic in the ocean is difficult to quantify, but it is clear that it is a major environmental crisis. Plastic debris in the ocean never fully biodegrades and poses a serious danger to marine life. It is estimated that around 80% of all plastic starts its life on land, with poor waste management being one of the biggest reasons it ends up in the ocean.

Reduce Plastic Consumption

The first step is to reduce the amount of plastic we use in our daily lives. This can be achieved by:

• Being more aware of how and why we use plastic items.
• Committing to changing our habits by reducing the use of disposable and single-use plastic items.
• Buying products with minimal packaging or opting for non-plastic packaging.
• Buying products made from recycled plastic materials.
• Borrowing or renting items that we rarely need instead of buying new ones.
• Buying second-hand plastic items.

Reuse and Recycle

• Reuse items whenever possible instead of discarding them. For example, use cloth napkins, reusable dishes, glasses, and silverware.
• Reuse plastic items such as containers, water bottles, and bags.
• Participate in cleanup efforts to remove plastic from the environment.
• Properly recycle plastic items. Check with local recycling programs to understand what types of plastic they accept.

Support Anti-Plastic Pollution Initiatives

• Support organizations and initiatives working to reduce plastic pollution, such as the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution led by the UN.
• Advocate for policies and legislation that aim to reduce plastic consumption and promote sustainable alternatives.
• Urge industries and producers to take accountability for their plastic production and packaging.

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