Omar Khalid
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to ocean health, with plastic debris breaking down into ever-smaller particles known as microplastics, which are ingested by marine animals and concentrate toxins in the food web. To combat this, organisations like The Ocean Cleanup are developing technologies to remove plastic waste from the oceans and intercept it in rivers. However, the ultimate solution lies in preventing plastic from entering the ocean in the first place, through waste management, reduced plastic production and increased recycling. Individuals can contribute by avoiding single-use plastics, supporting clean-up efforts, and advocating for policies that promote a circular economy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Non-profit organizations | Oceanic Society, Plastic Pollution Coalition, 5 Gyres, Algalita, Plastic Soup Foundation |
| Technology | Bubble Barrier in Katwijk, Netherlands |
| Individual actions | Avoid single-use plastics, bring your own containers, support proposed bans, organize clean-up efforts, reduce plastic usage |
| Business actions | Eliminate plastic bags and straws, install water bottle filling stations, stop using plastic in packaging and gift shops |
| Government actions | Seek signatories to a joint statement on preventing ocean plastic pollution, make report findings accessible to policymakers |
| Global efforts | Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup, The Ocean Cleanup |
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What You'll Learn
Reduce plastic use and recycle
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to ocean health. It is estimated that 8 million metric tons of plastic are dumped in the ocean each year, with 80% of ocean trash starting on land. Plastic debris in the ocean breaks down into ever-smaller particles known as microplastics, which are ingested by marine animals and can cause life-threatening problems.
To reduce plastic use, individuals can avoid buying single-use plastic whenever possible. This includes items such as plastic bags, straws, bottles, takeaway food containers, and individually wrapped items like snack packs and single-serve containers. Instead, individuals can opt for reusable alternatives, such as bringing their own containers for leftovers when dining out or filling a reusable bottle instead of buying bottled water.
Additionally, individuals can support restaurants and businesses that have committed to reducing their plastic use. For example, some restaurants have eliminated plastic bags, straws, and bottles, and installed water bottle filling stations. Individuals can also organize clean-up efforts in their communities and support proposed bans on single-use plastic bags.
Recycling is another important aspect of reducing plastic use. While 71% of the plastic produced is formally collected after use, less than 15% is actually recycled due to the higher cost of recycled versus raw plastic and the economic challenges of recycling certain types of plastic. To increase recycling rates, individuals can support the development of waste collection and management systems, especially in countries with rapidly growing economies and increasing use of disposable plastic.
By reducing plastic use and increasing recycling efforts, we can work towards preventing plastic from entering the ocean and protecting marine life from the harmful effects of plastic pollution.
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Support organisations tackling plastic pollution
There are several organisations working to tackle plastic pollution and save the sea from plastic waste. Here are some of them:
The Ocean Cleanup
The Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit organisation aiming to remove 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040. They develop and scale technologies, such as the Interceptor Original, to rid the oceans of plastic waste. The Interceptor Original is an automatic, solar-powered floating device that collects trash, while their Interceptor Barriers halt riverine pollution. The Ocean Cleanup has deployed its interceptors worldwide, from Malaysia to the United States.
WWF
WWF is leading the charge to help reduce, source, design, and reuse plastic materials. They advocate for eliminating single-use plastics, shifting to sustainable sources, and improving recycling and composting systems. WWF aims to create a world without plastic in nature, where people and nature thrive together.
Plastic Pollution Coalition
The Plastic Pollution Coalition is a non-profit communications and advocacy organisation. They collaborate with a global network to create a world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts on the environment, wildlife, climate, human health, and social justice. They urge governments to take stronger stances on the Global Plastics Treaty and support acts like the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2023.
Oceanic Society
The Oceanic Society is another non-profit organisation working to reduce and eliminate ocean plastic pollution. They encourage individuals to take action and join their Blue Habits community, a global movement committed to daily actions that improve ocean health.
The Seabin Foundation
The Seabin Foundation tackles maritime plastic litter through research and innovative solutions. They developed the world's first portable ocean health data lab in Sydney, where scientists collect and analyse data. Their maritime trash bin, the Seabin, filters plastic debris from the water using an electric underwater pumping system, processing up to 55,000 litres per hour.
Noria Sustainable Innovators
Noria Sustainable Innovators, a Dutch start-up, developed the CirCleaner system to address pollution in fast-moving waters. The system features a large wheel with blades that rotate against the current to collect floating litter, including plastic debris as small as 1 mm.
RAN Marine
RAN Marine aims to protect aquatic ecosystems with autonomous water drones. Their Waste Shark ASVs collect plastic debris from waterways, reaching places that traditional waste management vessels cannot. These drones are low-maintenance, budget-friendly, and operate on renewable energy, ensuring zero carbon emissions.
Sungai Watch
Sungai Watch is a non-profit organisation in Indonesia that tackles waterway pollution by installing trash barriers to catch plastic debris on the water's surface. Their Cleanup Warriors clean the river barriers daily, and they have installed 270 floating barriers across Indonesia's rivers, preventing plastic from reaching the ocean.
These organisations are making significant strides in the fight against plastic pollution. Supporting their efforts, whether through donations, advocacy, or individual actions, is crucial to saving the sea from plastic.
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Advocate for better waste management
One of the most significant sources of ocean plastic pollution is poor waste management. Therefore, advocating for better waste management practices can play a crucial role in saving the sea from plastic. Here are some ways to do this:
Support and Participate in Local Initiatives
Get involved with local organizations and initiatives that focus on waste management and plastic pollution. For example, you can join or support organizations like Trash Hero, which works to bring communities together to clean up local areas, educate the next generation, and create long-term waste management programs. These initiatives not only help keep plastic pollution out of the ocean but also foster a sense of community and education, which are essential for long-term behavioral changes.
Advocate for Policy Changes
Use your voice to advocate for better waste management policies at the local, regional, and national levels. Contact your local representatives and policymakers to express your concerns and suggest improvements. Support campaigns and individuals who are working to implement plastic reduction policies and improve waste management systems. For example, Tiza Mafira, a lawyer and director of the Indonesia Plastic Bag Diet Movement, has successfully campaigned for a ban on single-use plastic bags in Indonesia.
Educate and Raise Awareness
Educating communities about the importance of proper waste management and the impact of plastic pollution is crucial. You can organize or participate in educational programs, workshops, or awareness campaigns to inform people about the consequences of poor waste management and provide them with alternatives. By raising awareness, you can empower individuals to make more sustainable choices and reduce their plastic consumption.
Promote Sustainable Alternatives
Encourage the adoption of sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. Support businesses and initiatives that offer plastic-free or reusable products, and advocate for policies that incentivize or mandate the use of these alternatives. For instance, you can promote the use of reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and coffee cups, reducing the demand for single-use plastic items.
Collaborate with Non-Profit Organizations
There are numerous non-profit organizations dedicated to reducing and eliminating ocean plastic pollution, such as the Oceanic Society, Plastic Pollution Coalition, and 5 Gyres. These organizations rely on donations and support from individuals like you. By collaborating with them, you can contribute to larger-scale initiatives and have a more significant impact on waste management practices.
By advocating for better waste management, you can help reduce the amount of plastic entering our oceans and work towards creating a more sustainable future for our planet.
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Avoid single-use plastics
Single-use plastics are used just once and then discarded, and they are a major contributor to plastic pollution in the sea. By avoiding single-use plastics, you can help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the ocean. Here are some ways to avoid single-use plastics:
Say no to plastic bags: Bring your own reusable bags when shopping. Support and encourage proposed bans on single-use plastic bags in your community.
Skip the straw: When ordering a drink, kindly ask the server to skip the straw. If you need to use a straw, bring your own reusable one. Many restaurants and cafes are already taking action by eliminating plastic straws and bottles, as well as providing water bottle filling stations.
Avoid individually wrapped items: Instead of buying snack packs or single-serve containers, purchase items in bulk and divide them into reusable containers at home.
Bring your own container: When dining out, bring your own container for leftovers instead of accepting a disposable one.
Choose reusable water bottles: Rather than buying bottled water, invest in a reusable water bottle and fill it up at home or at a water fountain when needed.
By making these simple changes, you can significantly reduce your consumption of single-use plastics and help protect the ocean and its wildlife from plastic pollution.
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Support bans on single-use plastic bags
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to ocean health, impacting marine animals, habitats, and the environment. Single-use plastic bags are a significant contributor to this issue due to their widespread use and disposal. Supporting bans on these bags is a crucial step towards protecting our seas from plastic pollution.
Single-use plastic bags are often made from low-density polyethylene plastic, a non-renewable resource derived from petroleum. They have been traditionally offered for free by retailers, making them convenient and widely used for transporting goods. However, their disposal leads to environmental concerns, including clogged waterways and polluted coastlines, which come at a high economic cost.
Bans on single-use plastic bags have proven effective in numerous places. For instance, Ireland's introduction of a €0.15 levy on plastic bags in 2002 led to a 90% reduction in usage within weeks, with similar success seen in Portugal, Seattle, Kenya, and Sweden. These bans encourage the use of reusable bags and promote environmental citizenship, reducing plastic waste.
Well-designed bans that discourage the use of all single-use plastic bags, including those labeled as recyclable, are essential. Combining legislation with public education and support for alternatives is vital to the success of these initiatives. Community-driven approaches and voluntary initiatives can also be effective, as seen in Finland, Chile, and Luxembourg.
To support bans on single-use plastic bags, individuals can advocate for legislation, spread awareness, and adopt reusable bag habits. Non-profit organizations, such as Oceanic Society, Plastic Pollution Coalition, and Plastic Soup Foundation, are actively working to reduce plastic pollution and rely on donations to continue their efforts. Joining such organizations or contributing to their campaigns can make a significant impact in saving our seas from plastic pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic in the ocean harms marine life, including fish, seals, sea lions, otters, seabirds, and whales, through ingestion and entanglement. It also mars beaches, coastlines, and dive sites, even in remote areas. Plastic debris breaks down into microplastics, which absorb pollutants and form a toxic "smog".
You can avoid buying single-use plastic, such as plastic bags, straws, and bottles, and opt for reusable alternatives. Support proposed bans on single-use plastic and organize clean-up efforts in your community.
Long-term solutions include transforming the role of plastic in the worldwide economy, improving waste collection and management, and supporting the development of new technologies to remove plastic waste from the oceans.
