Some know some don’t, that plastic pollution is bad. Often we are aware, but we don’t realize just how bad it is unless we see pictures or visit a place where cleanup isn’t a ‘thing’.
In the ocean, it really is a major problem; impacting marine ecosystems and wildlife worldwide. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste enter the ocean, where it can harm or kill marine life and ultimately impact humans through the food chain. While awareness is growing, plastic pollution in the ocean continues to be a major environmental challenge. In this article, we will explore the sources and impact of plastic pollution in the ocean, current efforts to combat the issue, and what individuals can do to help reduce their plastic use and get involved in efforts to combat plastic pollution.
Sources of Plastic Pollution in the Ocean
Plastic pollution in the ocean comes from a variety of sources, including single-use plastics, microplastics, and fishing gear. Single-use plastics are items that are designed to be used once and then discarded, such as plastic bags, straws, and water bottles. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are less than 5mm in size and can come from a variety of sources, such as microbeads in personal care products and the breakdown of larger plastic items. Fishing gear, including nets, lines, and traps, can also contribute to plastic pollution in the ocean when lost or discarded.
The most significant contributors to plastic pollution in the ocean are single-use plastics and fishing gear. According to a report by the Ocean Conservancy, plastic bags, straws, and food containers are among the top ten items found in beach cleanups worldwide. Additionally, lost or discarded fishing gear accounts for approximately 10% of all plastic pollution in the ocean. Addressing these sources of plastic pollution is critical to reducing the overall amount of plastic waste that enters the ocean and harms marine life.
But, why do we need to reduce the amount of plastic in the ocean?
Impacts
Marine animals can ingest plastic waste or become entangled in it, leading to injury or death. According to a study, an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic waste enters the ocean each year, with devastating impacts on marine life. Ingestion of plastic waste can cause internal damage or blockages in the digestive system, and entanglement can restrict movement or cause suffocation. This study estimates that once an animal has ingested 14 pieces of plastic, it has a 50% chance of dying.
Check out the inside of this decomposed bird…
But, it’s not just nature that is impacted. Plastic pollution in the ocean can also impact humans through the food chain. Small marine organisms, such as plankton and krill, can ingest microplastics, which can then accumulate in larger fish and eventually be consumed by humans. Studies have shown that microplastics have been found in seafood and even table salt, highlighting the potential risks of plastic pollution in the ocean for human health.
Plastic waste can also degrade and release harmful chemicals into the water, impacting water quality and ecosystems. This study found that plastic waste can release chemicals called phthalates, which can impact the reproductive health of marine organisms….and humans…
Ultimately, addressing plastic pollution in the ocean is critical to protecting marine life, human health, and the environment. Through initiatives such as beach cleanups, plastic bag bans, and improved waste management systems, we can work towards reducing the amount of plastic waste that enters the ocean and mitigating the harmful impacts of plastic pollution. And there’s plenty going on already.
Current Efforts
Even with these initiatives, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting a circular economy, estimates that by 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean by weight. So, there is much effort to combat plastic pollution in the ocean around the world, with initiatives ranging from beach cleanups to plastic bag bans. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on reducing the use of single-use plastics, such as straws, utensils, and packaging. In 2019, the European Union implemented a ban on single-use plastic products, such as straws, cotton buds, and cutlery. This ban is expected to reduce marine litter by 3.4 million tons and save consumers €22 billion by 2030.
There have also been successful efforts to clean up plastic waste from the ocean. The Ocean Cleanup, a nonprofit organization founded in 2013, has developed technology to remove plastic waste from the ocean. In 2018, the organization deployed its first cleanup system, which successfully captured and removed plastic waste from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Have you heard of the GPGP? It is a massive pile of floating plastic, covering 1.6 million square kilometers, or nearly twice the size of British Columbia!
This is what it looks like in the middle of the pacific ocean…
Researchers are exploring new ways to recycle plastic waste and develop biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastics. Additionally, companies and governments are exploring ways to redesign products and packaging to reduce plastic waste and increase recyclability.
The reality is that addressing plastic pollution in the ocean will require a coordinated effort from governments, businesses, and individuals. Through initiatives such as beach cleanups, plastic bag bans, and improved waste management systems, we can work towards reducing the amount of plastic waste that enters the ocean and mitigating the harmful impacts of plastic pollution. You can help too.
What You Can Do to Help
As an individual, there are many actions you can take to help reduce plastic pollution in the ocean. Some actions you can take include:
Reduce your use of single-use plastics, such as straws, utensils, and packaging.
Properly dispose of plastic waste and recycle it whenever possible.
Participate in beach cleanups or other local cleanup efforts.
Support businesses and initiatives that are focused on reducing plastic waste.
Educate others about the impacts of plastic pollution in the ocean and the actions they can take to help.
If you are interested in getting more involved in efforts to combat plastic pollution in the ocean, there are a variety of organizations and initiatives you can support. Here are a few key websites you may want to visit: