Our Oceans: The Ultimate Dumping Ground

Our oceans have become the ultimate dumping ground. Every year, over 11 million metric tons of plastic waste are discharged into the seas, a number projected to nearly triple by 2040 if no action is taken (Pew Trusts).

This inundation of waste carries severe consequences for marine life, ecosystems, and ultimately, humanity. Plastics have infiltrated every corner of our planet, from the icy Antarctica to human placentas, as recent studies have shown (Toxicological Sciences). 

Marine life is severely affected by the plastics crisis. Sea turtles, for instance, often mistake floating plastic bags for jellyfish, their natural prey, leading to lethal blockages in their digestive systems. Whales are found washed ashore with stomachs so packed with plastic waste–including shopping bags and fishing nets–that their deaths are directly attributed to this ingestion of deadly plastic. Such cases are not isolated incidents but signals of a broader, more systemic issue affecting a wide range of marine species (Recycle Track Systems). 

Corals are not spared either; these vital marine organisms, which support approximately 25% of all marine species at some point in their life cycle, are being suffocated by plastics. When corals come into contact with plastic, the likelihood of disease increases from 4% to an alarming 89%. Tons of plastic get entangled in the fragile corals, block the sunlight needed for photosynthesis, and introduce pathogens, killing and suffocating these already vulnerable ecosystems (Our World in Data).

The impact on human health is equally concerning. Microplastics, now found in every corner of the planet including human placentas (Toxicological Sciences), pose unknown risks to human health. These tiny particles have made their way into our food supply—particularly via seafood—and recent studies show they are now present in the air we breathe and the water we drink​ (UNM Health Sciences Center)​​ (SciTechDaily)​. This pervasive pollution could be linked to an array of health issues, including inflammatory diseases and certain types of cancers, signaling a public health crisis that could unfold over generations​ (SciTechDaily)​.

These findings highlight a critical issue: plastics are not only a direct threat to marine life and ecosystems, but have become an intrinsic part of our bodies, with unknown long-term health consequences. Mismanaged plastic waste, our insatiable consumption, disposable cultures, and overproduction of plastics are driving this crisis, costing industries billions and putting our oceans and human health at severe risk. This scenario underscores the urgent need for a unified global response to this environmental dilemma unfolding in real time.

Recent discussions on a global plastics treaty have progressed, with ongoing negotiations focusing on a legally binding international agreement to be finalized in November 2024. These talks, particularly during the recent fourth session in Ottawa, are held to address plastic pollution, including reducing the production and consumption of primary plastic polymers, which are significant pollution and greenhouse gas sources​ (UNEP – UN Environment Programme)​​ (Pew Trusts)​.

However, the treaty’s progress is slow and faces blockages, notably from corporate interests that could weaken the desperately needed regulations. There is a significant push for the scientific community and policymakers to stay away from corporate lobbying, drawing parallels to similar global agreements like the WHO’s tobacco control​ (Nature)​. The treaty’s complexity, covering all aspects of plastic’s lifecycle from production to disposal, requires balancing multiple economic, environmental, and social factors, demanding extensive stakeholder negotiations​ (UNEP – UN Environment Programme)​. If successful, this treaty could provide a crucial framework for significantly reducing global plastic pollution.

If you’re like me and you find yourself suffering from witnessing the daily and ongoing struggles of marine life, you might be eager to take action immediately, rather than waiting for solutions from global leaders. Here are some practical steps each of us can take to reduce our plastic footprint and make a difference that adds up:

1. Reduce Your Use of Single-Use Plastics:
   Start by minimizing your reliance on single-use items like plastic bags, straws, bottles, and utensils. Opt for reusable alternatives instead.
2. Recycle Properly:
   Familiarize yourself with your local recycling rules to ensure you’re recycling correctly. Misrecycling can contaminate batches, making them unusable.
3. Participate in Cleanups:
   Join or organize local cleanups in your community, whether along beaches, rivers, or urban areas. This not only helps remove waste but also raises community awareness.
4. Support Bans on Problematic Plastics:
   Advocate for and support legislation that bans single-use plastics and regulates items that commonly end up as ocean pollution.
5. Educate Yourself and Others:
   Stay informed about the issues surrounding plastic pollution and educate those around you. Awareness is the first step towards meaningful change.
6. Influence Change at Your Workplace:
   Encourage your workplace to adopt more sustainable practices like going paperless, providing proper recycling facilities, or using sustainable materials.
7. Support Organizations Fighting Plastic Pollution:
   Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations dedicated to tackling plastic pollution. These groups work at both grassroots and policy levels to effect change.

There are so many organizations out there that already are making significant advancements in this fight against plastic. In the fashion of point 7, “Support Organizations Fighting Plastic Pollution”, here are five creative and impactful initiatives from around the globe that are leading the way in innovative plastic pollution solutions:

1. The Ocean Cleanup – This nonprofit organization develops advanced technologies aimed at removing plastic from the oceans. They’re best known for their systems designed to clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Their approach includes intercepting plastic in rivers with the “Interceptor” solution to prevent oceanic entry. More about their mission and technologies can be explored here.
   
2. Sungai Watch and Sungai Design – This initiative is led by a community-focused group in Bali, Indonesia, that has turned its attention to the rivers and oceans by deploying barrier systems to intercept plastic waste before it reaches the sea. Sungai Watch’s efforts focus on cleaning up waterways, while Sungai Design takes the collected plastic and repurposes it into durable products. This not only helps reduce plastic pollution in natural water bodies but also promotes recycling and sustainability in product design. The products range from modular blocks to furniture, showcasing how recycled materials can be transformed into functional and aesthetic items. Learn more about their innovative approach and products here.
   
3. Clear Blue Sea – This innovative nonprofit organization focuses on cleansing the ocean of plastic pollution through engineering solutions. One of their flagship projects is the Floating Robot for Eliminating Debris (FRED), an autonomous solar-powered robot designed to collect and remove plastic debris from marine environments. FRED operates along coastlines and in bays, harbors, and oceans, capturing plastics ranging from large debris to microplastics. Clear Blue Sea’s approach not only helps to clear the oceans of existing plastic waste but also engages in educational programs to raise awareness about sustainable solutions for ocean health. Learn more about their work and impact here.
   
4. Seabin Project – This initiative targets ocean plastic pollution by installing floating debris interception devices in marinas, docks, and commercial ports. These “seabins” act as water filters, capturing trash and microplastics. More information about how they work and their global installations can be found here.
   
5. Parley for the Oceans – An environmental organization and global network where creators, thinkers, and leaders come together to raise awareness and collaborate on projects that can end the destruction of the magical underwater world. Parley focuses on strategies such as plastic waste interception, material innovation, and educational campaigns. Learn more about their projects here.
   

Each of these organizations offers a unique approach to addressing the problem of plastic pollution in our oceans, driving forward meaningful solutions through innovation, collaboration, and direct action. They demonstrate that change is not only possible but already underway. However, the true power to drive this change lies not just in these organizations but in each of us and our decisions. 

If you need a sign, this is it. It’s time to step up, get involved, and make a difference, no matter how small it is. Whether it’s by reducing your own plastic consumption, participating in cleanups, advocating for policy changes, or supporting organizations already fighting the crisis, every action counts. Do not let the momentum stop at the end of this article. Let it be the spark that fuels your commitment to protecting our oceans, our wildlife, and our planet for future generations. Inspiration is a fantastic start, but persistence will lead us to cleaner, healthier oceans.