Every year, over one hundred million metric tonnes of plastic are produced worldwide, with over eight million metric tonnes ending up in the ocean. So, no landscape stands today that has not been impacted by plastic waste. The coastline, including small islands with no human inhabitants, is littered with plastic waste. And tiny particles of plastic are falling in the rain.

A large amount of plastic waste has been found in the Mariana Trench, the Arctic, salt, and 84% of the world’s drinking water.

The Challenge of Ocean Plastic Pollution

According to the World Economic Forum, 75 to 199 million metric tonnes of plastic are currently damaging the environment and the ocean. People recycle only 9% of their plastic waste and dump 10 million tonnes of it into the ocean each year. If it continues, the annual flow of plastic into the ocean will triple by 2040 as plastic pollution grows. And also, because it affects fisheries, coastlines, tourism, marine life, and the food we eat, ocean plastic pollution may cost the global economy each year.

The three main causes of plastic pollution in the ocean are as follows,

1. Plastic production has skyrocketed.

2. Plastic recycling rates are dropping.

3. Improper waste management.

So how can we reduce plastic pollution in the ocean? In this article, we provide some of the best solutions to reduce plastic pollution in the ocean.

6 Ways We Can Reduce Plastic Pollution in the Ocean

1. Reduce Your Regular Plastic Use

Limiting single-use plastic is the simplest way to reduce ocean plastic. You can replace single-use water bottles with refillable bottles, switch from plastic grocery bags to reusable cloth bags, and request that your dry cleaner stop using plastic covers on your clothes. Similarly, you can buy items in bulk, which reduces the amount of plastic packaging.

2. Limit Plastic Packaging

The latest electronic items and related products sometimes come with plastic coverings or bubble wrap. So, it is difficult to open, and it creates a high amount of household waste. So, reducing your use of plastic packaging is one good method to avoid plastic pollution.

3. Find Alternatives to Plastic Products

Finding alternatives to many plastic products would help control ocean plastic in addition to general usage and avoiding plastic packaging. There are numerous plastic alternatives on the market today. Those items are bamboo products, glass containers, and steel items. So, you can choose one for your regular use.

4. Organize or Join a Waterway Clean-up

By organising or participating in a local waterway clean-up, you or your business can take a rewarding step against plastic pollution in the ocean. It can be as simple as asking family and friends to assist you in picking up trash at a nearby stream. It organises several fairs if you can participate in international clean-up. These organisations organise volunteers to collect plastic waste from local rivers, streams, and beaches.

5. Skip the Microbeads

Microbeads are a common component of cosmetic and self-care items like exfoliants, toothpaste, and body cleaners. Since they are plastic, they won’t break down. Alternatively, they flow into our streams and down the drain, eventually getting to the ocean. Microbeads and other small plastics are consumed by small marine animals like plankton and filter feeders like oysters and clams. It not only creates a risk to the health of these tiny creatures, but it also puts humans at risk. If you plan to control this, you can avoid polyethene and put an end to microbeads.

6. Make Your Voice Heard

While many people are aware that plastic waste is a problem, they may not understand the nature of the issue or what they can do to help. Spreading the word about how to reduce plastic in the ocean is indeed vital.

Conclusion

Plastic pollution in the ocean is a worldwide issue. While there are numerous approaches to reducing plastic in the ocean, the most effective is a comprehensive approach that involves individuals, communities, and businesses.