The Ocean's Plastic Crisis: Every Minute Matters

Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing environmental issue. Plastics are the most common form of marine debris, and they come from a variety of land and ocean-based sources. While it is challenging to determine the exact amount of plastic entering the oceans, it is estimated that up to 12 million metric tons of plastic flow into the oceans annually, equivalent to a truckload of plastic every minute. This plastic pollution has severe ecological, economic, and health consequences, impacting marine life, human health, and local communities. With plastic production expected to increase, addressing this issue through waste management, reduction in plastic use, and global recycling initiatives is crucial to mitigating the harmful effects of plastic pollution in our oceans.

The amount of plastic entering the ocean each year

Plastic is the most common form of marine debris, and it comes from a variety of land and ocean-based sources. It enters the water in many ways and has a detrimental impact on the ocean and Great Lakes. Once in the water, plastic debris never fully biodegrades.

While it is challenging to determine the exact amount of plastic that enters the ocean each year, estimates range from 8 million to 14 million metric tons. That's the weight of nearly 90 aircraft carriers, and the problem is only growing. These plastics come in many different forms, from the toothbrush you use in the morning to the container your lunch comes in and the bottle you drink water from. Many plastic products are single-use items designed to be thrown out, such as water bottles or takeout containers. If this waste is not properly disposed of or managed, it can end up in the ocean.

The fate of plastics once they enter the ocean has puzzled researchers, as the amount of plastic floating on the surface offshore is significantly less than the estimated amount entering the ocean. This has been termed the "missing plastic problem." Studies have found that most large plastics that enter the ocean are washed up, buried, and resurfaced along shorelines, with some persisting and accumulating over long periods. While it's often plastics floating in the open sea that capture our attention, this likely represents only a fraction of the plastic entering the ocean.

To address the issue of plastic entering the ocean, a two-pronged approach is necessary. Firstly, reducing plastic use and committing to changing habits by reusing and recycling items is essential. Secondly, implementing waste collection and management systems globally can prevent plastic from entering the ocean and improve public health by reducing the spread of infectious diseases and respiratory illnesses from open-air burning of waste.

The sources of plastic in the ocean

Plastic is everywhere, from our homes to the ocean. It is the most common form of marine debris, and it never fully biodegrades. It is tough to say exactly how much plastic is in the ocean, but scientists estimate that about 8 million metric tons of plastic entered the ocean in 2010. This is the weight of nearly 90 aircraft carriers, and the problem is only growing.

Rivers are a major source of plastic waste in the oceans, with small urban rivers among the most polluting. The top ten rivers are responsible for most of the plastic emissions, with the Ciliwung River emitting between 205 and 308 tons per year and the Rhine emitting 3 to 5 tons per year. The Ocean Cleanup has developed solutions to combat river plastic, including the Interceptor, to help address the issue.

In addition to rivers, littering, rain and wind, and streams and storm drains also contribute to plastic waste in the oceans. Intentional or unintentional littering and improper disposal of trash can lead to marine debris. Rain and wind can sweep debris into nearby water bodies, and streams and storm drains can carry it directly into the ocean.

Another significant source of plastic in the ocean is single-use plastic items, which are used once and then thrown away. These include water bottles, takeout containers, food wrappers, grocery bags, straws, and cups. Many of these items were among the top ten kinds of trash picked up during the 2017 International Coastal Cleanup.

The environmental impact of plastic in the ocean

Plastic in the ocean is a pressing environmental issue that poses significant risks to marine life, ecosystems, and even human health. The impact of plastic pollution in the ocean is extensive and far-reaching, and urgent action is needed to address this crisis.

Every year, an estimated 8 to 11 million metric tons of plastic waste enters the ocean, adding to the estimated 15 to 51 trillion pieces of plastic already circulating in our marine environments. This waste comes from a variety of land and ocean-based sources, including mismanaged waste disposal, ships, and offshore oil and gas platforms. The durability of plastic means that it does not easily decompose, with every bit of plastic ever made still existing today. As a result, plastic pollution has become ubiquitous in our oceans, with not a single square mile of surface ocean water left untouched.

One of the most devastating consequences of plastic in the ocean is its impact on marine life. Plastic ingestion and entanglement are leading causes of injury and death among marine animals, with an estimated one million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals killed annually due to plastic pollution. Endangered species, such as the Hawaiian monk seal and the Pacific loggerhead sea turtle, are particularly vulnerable, with their habitats becoming increasingly inundated with plastic debris.

Additionally, plastic in the ocean contributes to the disruption of the entire bio-geo cycle and the degradation of aquatic flora and fauna. As plastic debris degrades, it consumes oxygen, leading to decreased oxygen levels in the water. This, in turn, affects the survival of marine animals, including those that breathe air, such as whales, dolphins, and penguins. The toxins present in plastics, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and Bisphenol A, further contaminate the water and enter the food chain, posing risks to both marine life and humans who consume seafood.

The impact of plastic in the ocean extends beyond the marine realm, with plastic pollution also affecting coastal areas and beaches. Plastic waste can float for miles, sink to the seabed, or wash up on shore, where it continues to pose threats to wildlife and the environment.

Addressing the environmental impact of plastic in the ocean requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes improving waste management practices, reducing plastic consumption, promoting recycling and reusable alternatives, and advocating for stricter regulations on plastic production and disposal. By tackling this issue at its source and treating plastic pollution as the hazardous waste it is, we can work towards mitigating the devastating effects of plastic on our oceans and the wider ecosystem.

How to reduce plastic entering the ocean

It is challenging to determine the precise amount of plastic that ends up in the ocean every minute. However, it is estimated that 8 million metric tons of plastic are dumped into the ocean annually, contributing to the existing 200 million metric tons of plastic circulating in marine environments. This amounts to dumping a garbage truck full of plastic into the ocean every minute.

Reduce Plastic Use

The first step in reducing plastic use is to become more aware of the plastic items you use daily. Commit to changing your habits by minimizing your consumption of disposable and single-use plastic products. Opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible, and reduce unnecessary purchases.

Reuse and Recycle

Reuse plastic items whenever possible, and recycle them properly. Familiarize yourself with your local recycling guidelines to ensure you are recycling plastics effectively. Avoid products with microplastics, such as glitter, and choose non-plastic packaging options when available.

Participate in Cleanups

Volunteer for local cleanups to remove plastic litter from beaches, rivers, and coastlines. Organizations like the Marine Conservation Society host cleanup events, such as the Great British Beach Clean, providing opportunities to make a direct impact.

Support Waste Management Initiatives

Support initiatives that focus on waste collection and management, especially in areas with rapidly growing economies and high disposable plastic usage. Proper waste management is critical in preventing plastic from reaching the ocean and can have additional environmental and economic benefits.

Advocate for Policy Changes

Urge local officials to implement policies that discourage plastic bag use and single-serving plastic packaging. Support legislation that promotes sustainable practices and holds plastic producers accountable for the waste generated by their products. Participate in petitions and campaigns aimed at driving political change toward healthier seas.

The future of plastic in the ocean

The impact of this plastic pollution on marine ecosystems is devastating and far-reaching. Plastic debris does not fully biodegrade and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Marine life, such as turtles, faces grave dangers as they mistake plastic for food or become entangled in it. It is estimated that over 56% of all marine life has ingested plastic.

To address this crisis, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Firstly, we need to reduce plastic use and switch from single-use disposable plastics to reusable and recyclable alternatives. This can be achieved through education, awareness, and policy changes that hold plastic producers accountable for their waste. Secondly, proper waste management and collection systems are crucial. Implementing these globally can prevent plastic from reaching the oceans and improve public health by reducing the spread of infectious diseases and respiratory illnesses from open-air burning of waste. Additionally, it can boost economic growth and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, addressing the "missing plastic problem" is essential. While there is plastic accumulating in the oceans, studies have found that the amount of plastic floating on the surface is significantly less, indicating that much of it may be sinking to the seabed or getting trapped and resurfaced along coastlines. Understanding the fate of plastics in the ocean is crucial for developing effective solutions and cleanup strategies.

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