Chloe Zhang
Plastic in the sea is a pressing global issue. It is estimated that there are 15–51 trillion pieces of plastic in the oceans, with billions of pounds of plastic entering the sea every year. The primary sources of plastic pollution are rivers and the improper disposal of waste, including single-use plastics such as bottles, food wrappers, and straws. Once in the ocean, plastic does not biodegrade and can persist for hundreds or even thousands of years, causing severe harm to marine ecosystems. Marine animals, such as seabirds, turtles, and fish, ingest plastic or become entangled in it, leading to life-threatening injuries and even death. With plastic production expected to increase, addressing this crisis requires urgent action, including reducing plastic use, improving waste management, and holding plastic producers accountable.
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What You'll Learn
Plastic production and consumption
Plastic is everywhere, from our homes and offices to the ocean. It has become an indispensable part of our lives, offering cheap and versatile solutions for various applications, including construction, home appliances, medical instruments, and food packaging. However, the improper disposal and mismanagement of plastic waste have led to a growing plastic surge in our seas, threatening marine life and ecosystems.
The production and consumption of plastic have increased exponentially over the years. Global plastic production surpassed 400 million metric tons in 2022, with an annual increase of 1.6%. Asia is the largest plastic producer, with China alone accounting for 32% of global production in 2022. North America ranks second, with a 17% share in 2022. The versatility of plastic has led to its widespread adoption, displacing traditional materials such as wood, metal, and glass.
The convenience and affordability of plastic have contributed to a culture of single-use disposable items, such as water bottles, takeout containers, and plastic bags. These items are designed to be quickly discarded, and if not properly disposed of or managed, they can end up in the ocean. Once in the marine environment, plastic debris does not fully biodegrade. It breaks down into microplastics, which can absorb harmful pollutants and release them into the ocean, impacting marine life and ecosystems.
To address the issue of plastic in the ocean, it is essential to reduce plastic consumption and improve waste management practices. Individuals can commit to reducing their use of disposable and single-use plastic items, reusing and recycling them whenever possible. Participating in cleanup efforts and supporting organizations dedicated to protecting the oceans, such as Ocean Conservancy, are also crucial steps in mitigating the impact of plastic on our seas.
Additionally, there is a need to transform the role of plastic in the worldwide economy. While plastic production is expected to double in the next ten years, efforts must be made to ensure that plastic waste is adequately collected and managed, especially in rapidly developing economies with increasing disposable plastic consumption. By supporting the development of fundamental waste collection and management infrastructure, we can prevent plastic from entering our oceans and work towards a more sustainable future.
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Mismanaged plastic waste
Plastic waste is considered mismanaged when it is not recycled, incinerated, or kept in sealed landfills. Instead, it is leaked into the environment, including rivers, lakes, and the ocean. Mismanaged plastic waste is a significant contributor to the plastic pollution in our oceans.
The probability that mismanaged plastic waste ends up in the ocean varies depending on factors such as the location and length of river systems, proximity to coastlines, terrain, and precipitation patterns. Rivers are the primary pathways for plastic to travel from land to sea. Coastal cities in middle-income countries are the world's plastic emissions hotspots.
A significant portion of the plastic waste that enters the ocean comes from middle-income countries, particularly across Asia. This is due to a combination of increasing plastic consumption and a lack of adequate waste management systems. In contrast, waste management strategies vary in other parts of the world, with incineration being prevalent in Europe and landfills being the primary method in the United States.
The impact of mismanaged plastic waste on the ocean ecosystem is severe. Plastic debris in the ocean does not fully biodegrade or decompose. It breaks down into microplastics, which can absorb harmful pollutants and release them into the ocean. These microplastics are consumed by marine species, eventually entering our food chain. Additionally, plastic waste can entangle marine life, such as whales and sea turtles, and be mistaken for food, causing life-threatening problems for these animals.
Addressing the issue of mismanaged plastic waste requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves reducing plastic consumption, improving waste management practices, promoting recycling and proper disposal, and supporting the development of fundamental waste collection systems in countries with rapidly growing economies. By tackling these issues, we can prevent the growing tide of plastic from reaching our oceans and protect marine life and ecosystems.
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Plastic in the food chain
Plastic in the sea is a pressing issue that has gained prominence in recent times. The industrial production of plastics dates back to 1950, when the annual production of plastics was at the level of 2 million tonnes. By 2015, global plastics production had grown to 380 million tonnes per year. Plastic waste ends up in the sea, either directly or from landfills, where wind spreads it into rivers and then into the sea. It is estimated that 8 million tonnes of plastics enter the seas and oceans each year.
Plastic in the sea has entered the food chain, with marine animals swallowing plastic or getting caught in it. In 2015, Dutch researchers found that the number of marine species affected had doubled since 1997, from 267 to 557. This number is now above 2000, though only a limited number of species have been investigated.
Microplastics, plastics less than 5mm in size, have been found in the guts of marine animals, including those inhabiting the deepest ocean trenches. They have also been found in drinking water and in food crops. A 2020 study found microplastics in fruit and vegetables sold in supermarkets and by local sellers in Catania, Italy. Apples were the most contaminated fruit, and carrots had the highest levels of microplastics among the sampled vegetables.
Microplastics can enter the brains of fish through the food chain and lead to abnormal behaviour. This occurs when nanoplastics in algae are eaten by water fleas, which are then eaten by fish. Fish ingest small pieces of plastic due to their continuous uptake of water. When other animals eat these fish, microplastics move up to the next level of the food chain. This process is called 'trophic transfer'.
The impact of ingesting plastics on human health is not yet fully understood, but there is research that suggests it could be harmful. Studies have shown that chemicals added during the production of plastics can disrupt the endocrine system and the hormones that regulate growth and development.
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Microplastics
Plastic is one of the most prevalent types of marine debris found in our oceans and Great Lakes. Once in the water, plastic debris never fully biodegrades. As plastic is tossed around in the water, it breaks into tiny pieces called microplastics. These are small plastic bits that are less than five millimetres in length, or about the size of a pencil eraser.
To address the issue of microplastics in the ocean, it is essential to reduce plastic use, properly dispose of waste, and support the development of waste collection and management systems. By being more aware of how and why we use plastic, we can work towards keeping our oceans clean and protecting marine life.
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Plastic pollution solutions
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to ocean health worldwide. It is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach to address it. Here are some solutions to tackle plastic pollution:
Reduce Plastic Use
The first step is to reduce the use of disposable and single-use plastic items. This includes plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, utensils, dry cleaning bags, take-out containers, and other plastic items designed for one-time use. By reducing our reliance on these items, we can significantly decrease the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the ocean.
Reuse and Recycle
Promoting the reuse and recycling of plastic products is essential. Proper waste disposal and management are critical in preventing plastic from entering the ocean. This involves supporting initiatives that promote recycling technologies and proper waste management practices. Additionally, individuals can commit to reusing and recycling plastic items whenever possible.
Participate in Cleanups
Volunteering for local cleanups and joining organizations such as Ocean Conservancy and The Ocean Cleanup can make a significant impact. These organizations work to remove plastic waste from oceans and rivers, aiming to restore marine ecosystems and protect marine wildlife. By participating in cleanups, individuals can directly contribute to removing plastic pollution from beaches, coastlines, and oceans.
Support Policy Changes
Advocating for policy changes that address plastic pollution is crucial. This includes supporting policies that hold plastic producers accountable for their waste and promote sustainable alternatives. Individuals can contact local representatives, sign petitions, and join environmental organizations to push for legislation that prioritizes ocean health and reduces plastic pollution.
Improve Waste Management
Waste management is a critical mid-term solution to plastic pollution. By supporting the development of fundamental waste collection and management practices, especially in rapidly developing countries, we can prevent plastic waste from entering the ocean. Proper waste management can also improve public health, reduce emissions, and provide economic benefits.
Educate and Raise Awareness
Spreading awareness about the impacts of plastic pollution and providing education on responsible plastic use can empower individuals to make informed choices. By understanding the consequences of plastic pollution and the importance of proper waste disposal, people can be motivated to reduce their plastic consumption and dispose of waste properly.
Addressing plastic pollution requires collective efforts from individuals, corporations, governments, and global communities. By implementing these solutions and working together, we can significantly reduce plastic pollution and protect our oceans for future generations.
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Frequently asked questions
Rivers are the main source of plastic in the ocean. However, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the largest accumulation of plastic in the world, is mostly made up of plastic from fishing activities at sea.
Plastic in the ocean comes in many forms, including abandoned fishing nets, bottle caps, food wrappers, grocery bags, straws, cigarette butts, and microplastics.
Plastic in the ocean has been found in more than 60% of all seabirds and in 100% of sea turtle species, which mistake plastic for food. Marine life can also get entangled in plastic, leading to injury or death.
