THE OCEAN PLASTIC POLLUTION PROBLEM
FACTS ABOUT OCEAN PLASTIC POLLUTION
ENTERS BY LAND DISPERSAL
Coastal land-based human dispersal account for 80% of ocean plastic pollution, globally. Over 6.5 million tons of litter enter the world’s Ocean each year. 50% is long-lasting plastic that will drift for hundreds of years before it is degraded.
EXCESS PRODUCTION
Over 220 million tons of plastic are produced each year. We must choose to reduce our need and habits surrounding plastic use, especially single use plastic. We now have many alternatives that biodegrade safely.
MANAGEMENT IS DIFFICULT
Plastics are serving a needed function, yet appropriate disposal is often not addressed. Some plastics have toxic components and the recycling techniques have not kept up with new plastic production.
TRILLIONS OF PIECES
More than 5 trillion pieces of plastic, weighing nearly 269,000 tons, are littering the world's oceans according to a study by the scientific journal PLOS One. The study is the first of its kind to gather data from around the world on floating plastic.
RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE
Several EU countries recycle 60-70% of used plastics and recover over 80% through integrated waste and resource management. Much of the ocean marine plastics and debris we recover on our expeditions, is recycled or repurposed; to keep it out of landfills.
MICRO-PLASTICS
Small weathered micro-plastics, are now found within digestive systems of sea life, birds and mammals globally. They are also found in our seafood, our commercial beers, wines and bottled waters!
MARINE LIFE IMPACT
More than a million seabirds and over 100,000 marine mammals die every year from plastic. Every day, more and more marine creatures are dying and washing ashore full of plastic and trash.
THE 5 GARBAGE GYRES
Plastic and debris is concentrated in 5 areas called gyres as a result of oceanic currents, which continue to grow as they are constantly replenished with new plastic and marine debris.
GREAT PACIFIC GARBAGE PATCH
The North Pacific Gyre's great pacific garbage patch is twice the size of Texas and a rapidly growing monstrosity on our planet.
USED PLASTIC AS A COMMODITY
A change in perceptions, could help change our strategies around plastic use and "disposal". For example, the marine debris we collect is being transformed into packaging, products, art and a mixed oil fuel.
THE PROBLEM IS CLEAR
Model results estimate the global number of floating plastic pieces to be:
SOURCE
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INFORMATIVE VIDEOS
Watch these selected videos to give yourself a good overview of the plastic pollution problem we are facing.
TED TALKS, The Ocean Plastic Problem
Dianna Cohen: Tough truths about plastic pollution
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Ocean Pollution Awareness
Plastic Pollution Coalition
Narrated by Jeff Bridges
PLASTIC OCEAN INFOGRAPHIC
