Ocean Plastic Pollution
By Richard Arterbury
Have you ever thought about how much plastic is in the Ocean and where it all comes from? “Plastic products have grown through the roof over the years,” is the all too common saying. Today, we see how it has grown into the ocean over the last 70 years.
Now, the world is producing nearly 300 million tons of plastic annually. Half of what we produce is for single use products and more than 8 million tons of plastic is dumped into our ocean every year.Â
Plastic is cheap and versatile with properties that make it ideal for many applications. Plastic also melts and molds easily. Last but not least, plastic is a byproduct of oil and natural gas. Plastic is sold in the manufacturing and packaging industry which we all depend on for everyday use. How to save the ocean in 3 easy steps:Â
What is plastic used for?
Packaging is the largest area responsible for driving single use plastic and over 40% of total plastic usage demands. Most plastic products are discarded after being used for less than 15 minutes.
Plastic bags gross 500 billion in worldwide sales with over one million plastic bags used every minute. Read more about the Great Garbage Patch.
Beverage plastic single use bottles
Over 17 million barrels of oil are sold just to produce the plastic water bottles consumed in the United States alone. In 2014, over 100.7 billion plastic beverage bottles were sold in the United States.
We use 6 times the amount of water that’s in each plastic bottle just to make the container. Over 16% of our litter comes from beverage containers, which are made of plastic. Meanwhile, bottle caps and plastic bottle labels are some of the most commonly found items at beach cleanups.
Our every day plastic pollution affects wildlife, human health, waterways and above all our one world Ocean. Keep in mind, the ocean is responsible for producing at least half of the world’s oxygen supply.
Plastic in The Ocean
Plastic in the Ocean Solutions
Ocean Plastic Pollution Offers Endless Opportunities
Plastic floats on water and travels in ocean currents that trap the plastic close to shore. Then, fragments land on beaches by the tons and when it’s overlooked the plastic continues to go in and out with tides.
The high tides take plastic back out to sea and much of this plastic becomes smaller over time, becoming so small we can’t even see the plastic.
If this plastic is overlooked, then it degrades on warm sunny beaches much faster than it does while floating in cooler water temperatures. For example, plastic is more likely to biodegrade on a warm sandy beach than in 54 degree water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean.
Ocean Blue feels that volunteer beach cleanups are vital to healthy oceans. Beach Cleanups are reminders of nonpoint source pollution. The nonpoint source is the plastic being removed from beaches before it breaks down or degrades by the sun and becomes what we now call micro plastic pollution. Read More: ​
Plastic is made from the byproduct of oil and should not be placed in a landfill. Instead, we can recycle it back into products that we are all dependent upon and which is in most everything we buy.
The solution is certainly to use less plastic and to find alternative solutions to lower the need for plastic. The ocean will smile when we stop using plastic. Until then, it is vital to collect as much as possible that the ocean spits out on our beaches. We can create jobs and collect tons of this plastic pollution.Â
Ocean Blue cleaned up one Oregon beach back in 2012 and since then we have never slowed down. Our goal is to see lower amounts of marine debris in our one world Ocean. Read more about why the ocean matters:
Plastic in the Ocean Solutions
- Place a small box in your car with reusable cups, plates, forks, etc.Â
- Keep a glass jug of drinking water in your car or boxed water instead of buying plastic water bottles.Â
- Avoid items at the store wrapped in plastic and often times I have to just say no.Â
- Bring your own shopping bags with something to place produce in.Â
- Buy from a bulk section.Â
- I often bake my own bread and make fresh corn tortillas at home to avoid pollution.Â
- Buy Bamboo Toothbrushes over plastic.Â
- Be a mindful consumer and when buying products think of the packaging used. If we can lower the plastic packaging then we can lower large amounts of plastic. Â
- Keep a coffee cup, bamboo ware, and metal straw with you at all times to make avoiding single use easy.Â
- Never tell others what to do, but often we can lead by example with easy ideas.
- Purchase gifts for friends that need a reusable cup or maybe a bamboo toothbrush.
- Happy Oceans and I hope to see you at a beach cleanup one day soon! Don’t have time? Make a donation to a local nonprofit doing something for our environment.Â
Dive Against Debris
Divers have a wide range of actions they can take to combat ocean pollution, both in the water and on land.
Firstly, one impactful way is to actively participate in initiatives like “Dives Against Debris” where divers join organized dives to remove trash and debris from the ocean floor.
Moreover, divers can become “Torchbearers for the ocean,” passionately advocating for marine conservation and spreading awareness about the harmful effects of pollution.
Another step is to become a certified “Dive Against Debris Speciality Instructor,” empowering oneself with the knowledge and skills to educate others on how to effectively combat ocean pollution during dives.
Furthermore, divers can make a difference by sharing their experiences and knowledge with friends and family, raising awareness about ocean pollution and inspiring others to take action. Ultimately, by encouraging individuals to embrace diving and explore the underwater world, divers can promote a deeper understanding and appreciation for the ocean, fostering a sense of responsibility towards its preservation.
Plastic In The Ocean Facts Most Common
The most frequently encountered plastic in the oceans can be attributed to single-use items. Examples of such plastics include straws, takeaway cups, and plastic silverware.
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Plastic Waste Exports by Country
According to available evidence, it is evident that numerous countries engage in the practice of offloading their ocean pollution problems onto others. The issue of ocean pollution is a global concern, affecting every country to some extent.
However, exacerbating the situation is the alarming trend of countries transferring their waste and trash to different parts of the world. This practice not only leads to an overall increase in the volume of garbage but also results in the transportation of pollutants across international borders.
Therefore, it can be inferred that countries do, in fact, contribute to the problem of ocean pollution by shifting their responsibility onto other nations.
Mariana Trench Plastic Bag and Mariana Trench Facts
Yes, plastic pollution has been detected in the Mariana Trench, which is the deepest point in the ocean at a depth of 11,034 meters (36,201 feet). Researchers have conducted tests on crustaceans that inhabit the Mariana Trench Facts and found evidence of plastic ingestion. This indicates that the Mariana Trench is not exempt from the harmful effects of plastic pollution.
How Many Pieces of Plastic are in the Ocean
The estimated number of plastic trash pieces present in the world’s oceans is staggering. According to a reliable source, National Geographic, there are over 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic currently residing in our oceans. This immense quantity highlights the extent of the plastic pollution crisis our oceans are facing. Ocean Blue Project has removed over 1 Million pounds and with 5 Million as our goal for 2025.Â
How Many Animals Die from Plastic Every Year
Each year, an alarming number of marine animals lose their lives due to entanglement in the ocean. The estimated death toll sits at a staggering 100,000 animals, solely attributed to plastic entanglement. While fishing nets and plastic bags are commonly associated with this issue, it is important to recognize that even seemingly harmless items such as straws and plastic wrap contribute significantly to this alarming statistic.
Beach Clean Up Activities
