Chloe Zhang
Ocean plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to marine health worldwide. With plastic production skyrocketing and low recycling rates, millions of metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, endangering marine life and ecosystems. The good news is that there are solutions to this global crisis, and individuals, organizations, and companies can all play a part in reducing and recycling ocean plastic. From innovative technologies to product choices, everyone can contribute to tackling this pressing issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount of plastic in the ocean | 8 million metric tons of plastic dumped in the ocean each year |
| Impact on marine life | Endangers marine life and ecosystems |
| Recycling rate | 9% of plastic is recycled worldwide |
| Most easily recycled plastics | PET, HDPE, PP |
| Ways to reduce ocean plastic pollution | Recycling, reusing, reducing plastic use, participating in cleanups |
| Technologies for ocean plastic cleanup | River interception, ocean cleanup systems |
| Companies using recycled ocean plastic | Adidas, G-Star RAW, Bureo, Clif Bar, Saltwater Brewery, Parley |
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What You'll Learn
Reduce plastic consumption
Reducing plastic consumption is crucial in the fight against ocean plastic pollution, which is one of the greatest threats to ocean health. Here are some ways to reduce plastic consumption and minimise your plastic footprint:
Reusable Items
One effective way to reduce plastic consumption is to incorporate reusable items into your daily routine. Opt for a reusable coffee cup or flask instead of disposable coffee cups, which often end up in landfills or are burnt, contributing to pollution. Many cafes offer discounts for customers who bring their own cups. Similarly, carrying a reusable water bottle can significantly reduce plastic waste, as can using a safety razor with replaceable blades instead of disposable razors. Reusable produce bags are another great alternative to single-use plastic bags, which can take up to 1,000 years to degrade.
Refill and Reuse
Refilling and reusing plastic containers is an excellent way to extend their lifespan. For example, instead of purchasing a new plastic bottle, you can refill it at a local refill shop with various products, including wet and dry goods. Old containers, such as butter or ice cream tubs, can be reused as storage boxes or planters, reducing the need for new plastic items.
Reduce Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics are a significant contributor to ocean plastic pollution. Small changes, such as refusing plastic straws, using edible six-pack rings, or bringing your own cutlery when getting takeaway food, can make a big difference. When buying products, choose items with minimal packaging or opt for cardboard boxes instead of plastic bottles, as they are more widely recycled.
Avoid Plastic in Your Routine
Some everyday items contain hidden plastics that can be avoided. For instance, chewing gum is made from synthetic rubber, a type of plastic. By choosing plastic-free alternatives, you can reduce your plastic consumption. Similarly, glitter is a microplastic that can end up in the food chain, so it is best to avoid products containing glitter.
Support Sustainable Companies
Support companies that are committed to sustainability and reducing plastic pollution. For example, some clothing companies create clothing lines made partially from recycled ocean plastic. By choosing these companies, you can help reduce the demand for new plastic and encourage more sustainable practices.
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Substitute plastic with compostable materials
While recycling and cleanup efforts are important, reducing the use of plastic is crucial to tackling ocean plastic pollution. One way to achieve this is by substituting plastic with compostable materials. Here are some eco-friendly alternatives to plastic that can help reduce plastic pollution and its impact on the ocean:
Bioplastics and Biodegradable Plastics
Bioplastics are made from a range of materials like cornstarch, sugar, mushrooms, and agricultural byproducts. They offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastics. For example, polylactic acid (PLA), a type of bioplastic made from plants, can be used in plastic films, packing materials, bottles, and even as a substitute for polystyrene in food containers and cutlery. PLA is biodegradable under the right conditions, such as in an industrial composting facility, and has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polyesters are another type of biodegradable plastic that closely resembles man-made polypropylene and is used in packaging, plastic films, and injection-molded bottles.
Mushroom Packaging
Mushroom packaging is an innovative, eco-friendly alternative to plastic. It is made by combining agricultural waste and mycelium (mushroom root). This organic and biodegradable material acts as a sustainable replacement for Styrofoam packaging.
Natural and Sustainable Materials
Natural materials such as banana leaves and bamboo can be used as compostable packaging alternatives. For example, a supermarket in Thailand has adopted plastic-free packaging by using banana leaf-and-bamboo packaging. Additionally, natural cloth can replace plastic bags, and sustainable clothing made from organic cotton, wool, hemp, or bamboo doesn't shed plastic fibers when washed. Wood from sustainably managed forests can be used for household items like cleaning brushes, kitchen utensils, and cutting boards, as well as tableware and drinking straws.
Edible Alternatives
Some companies are creating edible alternatives to plastic, such as Saltwater Brewery's edible six-pack rings made from barley, which help reduce plastic in the ocean and protect marine life.
Recycled Materials
Recycling plastic waste into new products is another way to substitute plastic with compostable materials. For instance, Adidas, in collaboration with Parley for the Oceans, created a running shoe made from marine plastic waste collected from coastal areas. Clothing company G-Star RAW launched a clothing line featuring clothes made partially from ocean plastic. Unifi, a manufacturer that spins plastic into yarn, has produced graduation gowns from recycled plastic. Sustainable companies like Bureo have created skateboards made from recycled fishing nets, and some condo complexes have installed carpets made from discarded fishing nets.
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Design products with recycling in mind
When designing products with recycling in mind, it is important to consider the entire lifecycle of the product, from the sourcing of materials to the end-of-life disposal or reuse of the product. Here are some key considerations and strategies for designing products with recycling in mind, specifically for ocean plastic:
Choose Sustainable Materials
Select materials that are recycled, recyclable, or reusable. Opt for ocean-bound plastics or recycled ocean plastics as your primary material. This directly contributes to reducing plastic waste in the oceans and gives new life to existing plastic pollution. For example, Adidas, in collaboration with Parley for the Oceans, created a running shoe made from marine plastic waste collected from coastal areas. Similarly, Norton Point offers polarized sunglasses crafted from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) ocean plastics recovered from the canals and coastlines of Haiti.
Design for Durability and Longevity
Create products that are built to last and have a long lifespan. This reduces the need for frequent replacements, minimizing the overall environmental impact. For instance, the clothing company Boden guarantees that their products will last, offering a 1-year warranty and a 3-month return policy on most items. Sabai, a furniture company, offers stylish and sustainable furniture pieces made from recycled ocean plastic, ensuring that their designs are long-lasting and environmentally conscious.
Minimize Waste and Maximize Resource Efficiency
Implement design principles that minimize waste during the manufacturing process. This can include efficient printing methods, reducing fabric waste, and minimizing packaging. RubyMoon, a clothing brand, incorporates circular design principles by making their products versatile and long-lasting. They also minimize tags and packaging, reducing the waste associated with their products.
Multi-Purpose and Upcycled Designs
Explore opportunities to create multi-purpose products or upcycle ocean plastic into new, unique items. For example, Waterhaul transforms recycled fishing nets into sunglasses frames, fishing knives, and ocean clean-up gear. Solgaard, a luggage and backpack brand, incorporates solar panels on their backpacks and USB charging ports in their luggage, adding value and functionality to their sustainable designs.
Collaborate and Innovate
Partner with organizations and initiatives dedicated to ocean plastic recycling and sustainability. Collaborating with experts in the field can provide access to innovative technologies and processes for recycling ocean plastic. For instance, Adidas collaborated with Parley for the Oceans to create their running shoes, and Solgaard partnered with The Plastic Bank to help tackle ocean plastic pollution.
By incorporating these strategies, designers and manufacturers can play a crucial role in reducing ocean plastic pollution and promoting a more sustainable future.
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Increase recycling infrastructure
Recycling infrastructure is a critical component of tackling ocean plastic pollution. Currently, only about 5% of the millions of tons of plastic produced each year is recycled, with the vast majority ending up in landfills, oceans, and the environment. To increase recycling infrastructure, the following steps can be taken:
Improve Waste Management
Firstly, it is essential to improve waste management practices. This includes implementing better recycling programs and providing more accessible recycling bins and centres for the public. Educating communities about the importance of recycling and proper waste disposal is also key. This can be achieved through awareness campaigns and educational initiatives.
Develop Advanced Sorting Technologies
Additionally, investing in advanced sorting technologies at recycling facilities is crucial. While manual sorting is still prevalent in many parts of the world, it is labour-intensive and time-consuming. Advanced technologies, such as optical sorting and the use of spectrometers, can significantly enhance the speed and accuracy of sorting recyclable materials. This reduces the likelihood of recyclable plastics ending up in landfills or oceans due to misidentification or contamination.
Encourage Collaboration Between Industries
Fostering collaboration between industries can also bolster recycling infrastructure. For instance, fashion brands, designers, and sports companies can work with environmental organisations to create products from recycled ocean plastic. This not only reduces plastic waste but also raises awareness and sets industry standards for sustainable practices.
Support Innovative Recycling Methods
It is also important to support and fund innovative recycling methods and technologies. This includes exploring new ways to intercept and collect plastic waste from rivers and oceans, such as The Ocean Cleanup's dual strategy. By developing and scaling these technologies, we can more effectively remove plastic from the ocean and prevent it from becoming pollution in the first place.
Promote Recycling-Friendly Product Design
Lastly, promoting recycling-friendly product design is essential. This involves encouraging manufacturers to use recyclable materials and avoid single-use plastics. By designing products with recycling in mind, we can increase the likelihood of proper disposal and reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our oceans.
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Properly dispose of non-recyclable plastics
While recycling plastic is a great way to reduce plastic waste in the ocean, not all plastics can be recycled. In fact, only about 5% of the millions of tons of plastic produced each year is reclaimed and recycled. This means that properly disposing of non-recyclable plastics is crucial to preventing plastic pollution in the ocean.
Non-recyclable plastics are those that cannot be recycled due to the type of plastic resin they are made from or because they are heavily contaminated with food or other substances. For example, plastic bags, film lids, and cling film are not typically recycled because they are made from low-value plastic resins and can clog recycling machinery. Similarly, plastic utensils, cups, and food trays are often contaminated with food and made from low-value resins, making them non-recyclable. Other non-recyclable plastics include prescription bottles, which are too small and may contain traces of medication, and hazardous substance containers, which can contain harmful chemicals.
So, what is the proper way to dispose of these non-recyclable plastics? The general rule is to dispose of them in your general waste or trash bin rather than your recycling bin. While this may seem uneconomical, it is important to keep these items out of the recycling stream to prevent interference with the recycling process. However, it is always best to check with your local waste management guidelines and recycling center to understand their specific rules and recommendations. Some communities may have special collection events or permanent collection centers for certain types of non-recyclable waste, such as household hazardous waste (HHW).
To further reduce the impact of non-recyclable plastics on the environment and oceans, it is essential to reduce consumption and opt for reusable or biodegradable alternatives. For example, instead of using plastic bags, you can bring your own reusable bag or opt for paper bags, which are more environmentally friendly. Being mindful of your consumption and choosing products with less plastic packaging can also help reduce the amount of non-recyclable plastic waste generated.
While properly disposing of non-recyclable plastics is important, preventing plastic waste from entering the ocean in the first place is even more crucial. This can be achieved through a combination of individual actions, such as participating in beach cleanups, and systemic changes, such as improving waste management practices and developing new technologies to intercept and remove plastic from oceans and rivers. By addressing plastic pollution at its source and properly disposing of non-recyclable plastics, we can work towards a future with cleaner oceans and healthier marine ecosystems.
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Frequently asked questions
Ocean plastic is the plastic that has made its way into oceans, polluting the water and endangering marine life. The plastic that floats on the ocean's surface or washes ashore is just a small part of a larger issue. Plastic persists for many decades, continuously degrading into microplastics, which are ingested by wildlife and eventually enter the human food chain.
Recycling ocean plastic can be a varied and complicated process as the term "plastic" covers a wide range of materials. The first step is to identify and group the plastic by type. The most easily recycled plastics are PET, HDPE, and PP. You can check with your local recycling centre about the types of plastic they accept.
You can help recycle ocean plastic by participating in or organizing a cleanup of your local beach or waterway. You can also reduce your plastic consumption and reuse the plastic that you do use.
Some examples of recycled ocean plastic products include Adidas' running shoes, made in collaboration with Parley for the Oceans, and Bureo's skateboards, made from recycled fishing nets.
