Plastic, with its remarkable versatility and durability, has become an indispensable part of modern life. From everyday objects to cutting-edge technologies, its presence permeates our society, revolutionising industries and transforming the way we live. However, the dark side of plastic's convenience and affordability reveals itself in the distressing reality of its afterlife when improperly discarded.
Plastic waste and litter are carried into the ocean by rivers, winds and irresponsible human actions. From discarded packaging to single-use items, this deluge of waste has a devastating impact on rivers, oceans and coastlines around the globe, with far-reaching ecological, economic and social consequences.
Marine debris can consist of plastic, glass, metal, rubber or fishing gear and can be found in all marine environments, destroying ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and harming wildlife. Plastic can take over 400 years to break down, ensuring that even the tiniest fragment of plastic becomes a long-lasting threat, disrupting the delicate balance of the underwater world. ²
In this article, we explore the consequences of plastic pollution in our seas and shed light on the urgent need for collective action. By raising awareness and advocating for sustainable alternatives, we have the power to protect our oceans from the suffocating grip of marine litter.
The Problem: Plastic Pollution in our Oceans
Over 8 million metric tons of plastic waste enter the ocean every year, which is equivalent to dumping one garbage truck of plastic into the ocean every minute.³
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located between California and Hawaii, is one of the most well-known examples of plastic accumulation in the ocean. It covers an estimated area of 1.6 million square kilometres (617,763 square miles), roughly twice the size of Texas.⁴
Microplastics, defined as plastic fragments measuring less than 5mm, have been uncovered in even the most remote corners of the ocean, from the depths of deep-sea sediments to the expanses of Arctic ice. These minuscule particles infiltrate the food chain, ultimately finding their way onto our dinner plates, posing potential risks to human health.
The repercussions of this waste are extensive, impacting not only marine flora and fauna and the overall water quality, but also reaching into the daily lives of those who depend on the ocean for food, trade, tourism, and community.
Source: Guardian graphic.¹ Source: Morales-Caselles, C., J. Viejo, E. Martí, E., … A. Cózar, 2021. An inshore-offshore sorting system revealed from global classification of ocean litter. Nature Sustainability. *Excludes nets
The impact on …
Animals
Marine animals, including seabirds, sea turtles, seals, dolphins and whales, can become entangled in various forms of ocean litter, such as discarded fishing nets, ropes and plastic debris.⁵ This leads to injuries, potentially restricting movement, impairing feeding and swimming abilities, and can even cause suffocation or drowning.
Marine organisms, from small fish to large mammals, often mistake plastic debris for food and ingest it which can block the digestive system, or cause lacerations, punctures and internal injuries in the digestive tract of marine animals. Additionally, plastics can contain and absorb toxic chemicals from the surrounding seawater. When marine organisms ingest plastic, they can also absorb these chemicals, potentially leading to poisoning and harmful health effects, both in themselves and the predators – including us (!!) – who ingest them.
Floating microplastics are easily mistaken for food by planktonic larvae and juvenile organisms. Ingesting these microplastics can reduce growth rates, impair development and increase mortality rates.
Habitats & Ecosystems
Plastic and other rubbish can destroy marine habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass beds and coastal areas. It smothers and suffocates benthic organisms (seafloor creatures), disrupting the structure and functioning of ecosystems and negatively impacting the overall health and biodiversity of these habitats.⁶
Litter in nesting areas can also impact the reproductive success and growth rates of marine organisms. For example, sea turtles rely on beaches for nesting, and litter on the shoreline can hinder that process, disorient hatchlings and increase the risk of predation.
Human Health & Local Economies
The devastating impact of litter in our oceans extends beyond marine life and ecosystems, directly affecting human populations as well.
The accumulation of non-biodegradable waste on coastlines not only tarnishes the beauty of our beaches but also poses a threat to tourism, a significant source of income for many coastal communities. Moreover, the presence of plastic pollution in our seas can contaminate seafood and enter the human food chain, potentially exposing us to harmful chemicals and toxins. The long-term health effects of ingesting microplastics are still being studied but the potential risks cannot be ignored.⁷
Furthermore, the economic burden of cleaning up the mess, rehabilitating damaged habitats and raising awareness falls upon governments and communities, diverting resources that could be better utilised for sustainable development.
So, what can we do?
Addressing the widespread issue of ocean litter requires global collaboration, concerted efforts at all levels, and a combination of prevention, clean-up and policy interventions.
Initiatives to improve waste management, beach clean-ups, and the development of sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics are just some of the crucial steps toward reducing litter and protecting the health of our oceans.
The United Nations has recognised the issue and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 14 (Life Below Water), include targets to reduce marine pollution, prevent and significantly reduce marine debris, and promote sustainable use of marine resources. 8/9
Individuals
- Reduce Single-Use Plastics: opt for reusable alternatives such as water bottles, shopping bags and coffee cups. Avoid single-use plastics like straws, plastic cutlery and disposable packaging whenever possible.
- Proper Waste Disposal: dispose of waste responsibly by recycling and using designated trash bins. Avoid littering and participate in local beach and coastal clean-up activities.
- Educate and Raise Awareness: spread knowledge about the impact of ocean litter through conversations, social media and community initiatives. Encourage others to adopt sustainable practices and make environmentally conscious choices.
- Invest in Sustainability Projects: choose a Switch2Zero Individual or Family Subscription that matches your lifestyle and invest in projects such as plastic waste removal and carbon offsetting. Track your progress, share achievements with friends and family and be part of cleaning up the planet on a global scale.
Businesses
- Sustainable Packaging and Practises: businesses can adopt sustainable packaging solutions, minimise single-use plastics and promote eco-friendly practices throughout their operations.
- Responsible Waste Management: implement effective waste management systems to reduce waste generation, increase recycling rates and prevent litter from entering the environment.
- Innovation and Collaboration: encourage the development of innovative solutions to reduce plastic waste, such as biodegradable materials, packaging alternatives and closed-loop recycling systems. Collaborate with stakeholders, including government representatives and NGOs, to address the issue collectively.
- Create an Earth Positive Workforce: endeavours to reduce waste will remain ongoing for most, but with a Switch2Zero subscription you can counterbalance your staff's carbon footprint by contributing to verified carbon offset projects, planting trees and removing plastic from our oceans, while tracking the impact that you make.
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Policy Change
Additionally, we can all look to put pressure on councils and governments to take action.
Write to your local representative and ask them for the following commitments:
- Enacting and enforcing comprehensive policies and regulations to reduce plastic pollution, promote sustainable waste management and encourage the use of environmentally friendly alternatives.
- Investing in waste management infrastructure, including recycling facilities and waste treatment plants, to improve collection, sorting and recycling capabilities.
- Implementing educational programmes to raise awareness about the impact of ocean litter, and promote responsible behaviour and encourage sustainable practices at community level.
- Collaborating with other governments, international organisations and stakeholders to develop and implement global initiatives to address ocean litter, such as the reduction of marine debris and the unilateral promotion of sustainable living.
Conclusion
It is crucial that we recognise that solving the issue of ocean litter requires long-term commitment, multi-sectoral collaboration and behavioural changes at various levels. By working together, individuals, businesses and governments can make a significant impact in reducing litter and protecting the health of our oceans and marine ecosystems.
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³ https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/hazards/marinedebris/plastics-in-the-ocean.html
⁴ https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/great-pacific-garbage-patch/
⁶ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969722027164
