Plastic Ocean

 

Plastic Ocean

 

Plastic is everywhere: In our homes, offices, recreational life — and our ocean.

It is no secret ocean pollution is a huge problem. Plastic and other debris from human activities are polluting our oceans in alarming amounts, endangering marine life and the ocean environment. How can we reduce our plastic waste? Let’s be the generation that takes action against ocean pollution and helps preserve our ocean for years to come.

 

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Ocean Pollution

It is estimated that more than 8 million metric tons of plastic enter our ocean every year, not only killing marine life but also disrupting their food sources and habitats. Toxic chemicals are another form of ocean pollutant, often coming from industrial sites and runoff from agricultural land. These substances can accumulate in ocean animals and find their way up food chains to ultimately affect humans too.

Humans have also introduced an array of ocean pollutants, such as plastic and toxic chemicals. These materials can damage ocean life directly or indirectly by altering ocean chemistry. Ocean pollution also affects us through ocean acidification. As atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations increase, so does the amount of CO2 absorbed by the ocean — up to 30 percent of human-made carbon dioxide emissions end up in the ocean. This increases acidity levels which can have major implications for coral reefs, shellfish, and other marine life that rely on calcium carbonate structures to survive.

The ocean absorbs much of the carbon dioxide we produce through burning fossil fuels, leading to acidification and warming ocean temperatures. Our ocean also gets polluted by runoff from land-based activities such as agriculture and logging. This can lead to algal blooms that block sunlight, reduce oxygen levels and cause fish kills.

All these things contribute to ocean pollution, reducing vital habitats for ocean wildlife and making it difficult for many species to survive.

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Microplastics

Plastic pollution is a serious problem that affects marine life and the environment. The plastics in our oceans pose a major threat to aquatic wildlife, including turtles, whales, birds and fish. These plastics are often mistaken for food by marine animals and when consumed it can block their digestive systems, leading to illness or death.

Plastics often contain additives making them stronger - and durable - with some estimates to last 400 years to break down! Once these plastics enter the ocean, wave action break down plastic waste into small particles, often less than one-fifth of an inch across. These microplastics are spread throughout the water and can found in every corner of the globe.

They can interact with the microorganisms, threatening their health and potentially disrupting entire ecosystems. It has been suggested that microplastics may even be affecting the growth and reproduction of some marine species.

Microplastics are not only a threat to wildlife, they can also have implications for our health if we consume fish that have ingested microplastics. Microplastics have been been in more than 100 aquatic creatures, such as fish, shrimp, and mussels which we might find on our dinner plates.

Given how far microplastics have spread across our oceans, reducing human-made marine debris is essential to preserve a healthy and functioning ocean ecosystem.

 

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Raising Awareness

While some initiatives have been taken to stem the tide of plastic entering our oceans, more needs to be done. By raising awareness about ocean pollution, we can encourage others to join us in taking action. We must remember that every small step counts – from recycling plastic bottles to supporting businesses that use sustainable packaging materials – if enough people make a concerted effort, we can reduce ocean pollution.

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TakIng Action

We can take steps to reduce ocean pollution and ocean acidification by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, using less plastic, and properly disposing of waste to prevent it from entering the ocean.

We need to reduce our dependence on single-use plastics, recycle, find ways to clean up existing micro plastic pollution. This means using reusable water bottles instead of buying disposable plastic ones, carrying reusable bags when shopping, and avoiding products with excessive packaging - and choosing environmentally friendly alternatives when possible. When you do use disposable items, be sure to make an effort to recycle them properly so they don't end up in the waterways.

We should also engage in better ocean conservation practices such as preserving coral reefs and creating marine protected areas to ensure ocean habitats are preserved.

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Getting involved

Everyone can help reduce ocean pollution, from reducing plastic waste and investing in sustainable products to joining campaigns to raise awareness about ocean health.

Another thing you can do to prevent plastic waste from entering rivers and seas is to get involved in cleanups or volunteer at beach clean-up events. This will help prevent debris and plastic from making its way into freshwater bodies, helping to protect local wildlife and their ecosystems.

If you're looking to participate in ocean cleanup efforts. Beach cleanups are one of the most common ways to participate in ocean cleanup efforts. They are relatively easy, don't cost anything, and help to restore the beauty of our beaches while removing debris that may harm wildlife. Here are a few for starters:

The National Trust Beach Cleanups In Cornwall

Beach Guardian

Surfers Agains Sewage

Marine Conservation Society

Beach Clean

Or, why not do your own beach cleanup during your next beach walk or visit? Together, we can protect our ocean and ensure it remains a safe home for marine life now and into the future. Let’s start today!

 
 
 
Elke Bretz