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Plastic is a crucial component of packaging, manufacturing, clothing, and other consumer and commercial goods. Unfortunately, extensive plastic contamination in our beautiful ocean is a result of mass production and improper disposal of plastic.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that each year, at least 14 million metric tonnes of plastic are produced and end up in the ocean. 80% of all marine trash, which is found in sediments deep in the ocean as well as surface waters, is made of plastic.
Plastic waste causes major harm and even death when it is ingested by or entangled in by marine organisms. Food safety and quality, human health, coastal tourism, and climate change are all threatened by plastic pollution.
We can adopt a number of measures to minimise the overall amount of plastic debris in the ocean in order to protect our seas. Here are six things to think about:
1. Reduce Single-Use Plastic
Reducing our usage of single-use plastics is the simplest and most direct way to minimise the amount of plastic waste in the ocean. Single-use plastics include things like plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, cutlery, dry cleaning bags, takeout containers, and any other plastic item that is used just once before being discarded.
Following are some ideas for reducing the consumption of single-use plastics:
Avoid using single-use plastics unless absolutely necessary.
You can ask a restaurant, for instance, not to provide you with plastic utensils when you order takeout meals to eat at home since you have your own reusable utensils at home.
Use reusable produce bags, bottles, silverware, coffee cups, shopping bags, dry cleaning garment bags, and produce bags wherever possible.
2. Recycle Regularly
If you have to use single-use plastic because you can't avoid it, recycle it afterward. Globally, just 9% of plastic is recycled. Recycling helps keep plastics out of the ocean and lowers the amount of "new" plastic that is in use.
If your neighbourhood or city offers a recycling centre or accepts plastics for recycling as part of its weekly garbage pickup, kindly recycle all of your plastic.
3. Participate in an Ocean Cleanup
Take part in a shoreline cleanup to gather trash off the beach and keep plastics from making their way into the ocean. This is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to stop plastic from entering the ocean.
You may either gather plastic waste along the beach or river on your own, in a group with friends or family, or you can take part in a shoreline cleanup event sponsored by a Sea Smart school.
4. Avoid Items That Contains Microbeads
Microplastic "beads" have grown to be a bigger contributor to ocean plastic pollution in recent years. Numerous face cleansers, toothpastes, and body washes contain microbeads, which may readily enter our seas and streams through sewage systems and harm hundreds of marine species.
To avoid buying cosmetics that contain plastic microbeads, check the ingredient labels for the phrases "polyethylene" and "polypropylene."
5. Aid Entities With Social Impact to Protect Our Ocean
You can assist Sea Smart School and other socially conscious organisations! We make a lot of effort to raise awareness about the need to reduce plastic usage and litter among the general public, teens, and kids. You may support us by making a donation, letting others know about us, or volunteering. Every contribution is much valued!
6. Convey the Good Word
Stay informed on issues including trash in the ocean or plastic pollution, and work to educate people about the problem. Share with your friends and family how they can contribute to the solution and support socially conscious organisations that fight to preserve our oceans.
We must all work together to protect our water resources. We will work together to reduce our daily plastic consumption and litter while aggressively recycling plastic products in order to prevent them from ending up in our beloved, delicate oceans. Volunteer at Sea Smart School or donate to our social cause if you want to do even more to protect our oceans.
7. Refuse Extras While Placing Takeaway
You might at first ignore this fix since it is so simple. Make careful to request no extra utensils when placing a takeout order. You may also attach a note asking people to use as little plastic as possible.
Additionally, reserve takeaway for exceptional occasions only, if at all feasible. There is usually a lot of packaging required since they need to be sent to you, which would not be necessary if you prepared the food yourself or went out to eat.
Conclusion
One of our most effective weapons against ocean pollution is research. By better comprehending the implications of the problem, we may start implementing better policies for everyone.
We are aware that habit change is challenging, but even a small amount of personal effort may help, particularly in the case of single-use plastics, which, according to data from the European Parliament, account for 49% of all marine pollution.
Written By: Dharchini Priya P
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