ocean plastic pollution explained

The global emergency of ocean plastic pollution is on the rise. Before we solve the problem, everyone needs to understand the problem at hand. 

Understanding the facts behind such a big problem is the first steps to helping solve that problem. 

  • “Humans produce over 400 million metric tons of plastic annually. Less than 0.5% (about 1 million mt) of that ends up in the ocean.
  • Plastic usage and waste management infrastructures differ all over the world. Coastal cities in middle-income countries are the world’s plastic emissions hotspots.
  • Most plastic either sinks or beaches within a month. Some plastic makes its way to the open ocean, where it can get trapped in gyres. 
  • Most plastic in coastal waters comes from land-based sources, while 80% of the plastic in the GPGP comes from fishing activities at sea.
  • Plastic pollution affects marine life and ecosystems, human health and our economies.” 

*All of these facts come straight from The Ocean Clean Up Project

Plastic on Beach

Lets learn more about plasic pollution! 

Plastic Pollution
Lots of plastic on a beach
Plastic that has been left on beaches

a start to a solution

 

A great start to cleaning up all of the ocean plastic pollution is the System 002 and System 03. They have just recently reevaluated System 002 to handle upgrades and work towards the more efficient and larger System 03.

To learn more about these Systems and how they are helping our oceans, check out our System 002 blog!

system 002

What are steps you can take to help with ocean pollution? 

1. Join a Beach Clean Up crew! Picking up plastic and trash on our beaches is a great beginning to the worlds plastic problem. 

2. Use reusable water bottles! Instead of buying plastic water bottles, bring your own to refill!

3. Search for Sustainably Made Fashion! Lots of fashion companies use microplastics within their clothes which contribute to the oceans plastic pollution.

4. Eat less seafood! One of the biggest plastic polluters are fisherman. If you start by eating less seafood, you can slowly help lower the demand. 

5. Bring Take Out Containers to Restaurants! By taking your own containers, you can cut down on plastic and styrofoam use. 

Want to Learn More?

Here at Adventure Whale Watching, we encourage you to learn more about the Ocean Clean Up Project and what you could do to help! 

Resources

 The Ocean Cleanup. (2023, August 9). https://theoceancleanup.com/