May 2nd, 2022 by Admin

Ways To Make A Difference To Ocean Plastic

Plastic has become an integral part of our day-to-day lives. From grocery bags to toys and bottles, plastic is one of the most used materials across the globe. Plastic is in demand due to its ease of manufacturing, low cost, great versatility, and durability. However, the extensive use of this material is causing great harm to the environment, especially to ocean life. This is because a large amount of plastic that is disposed of finds its way into the ocean. To make things worse, plastic takes decades to break down, posing a major threat to our oceans and their inhabitants. Research suggests that a truckload of plastic enters the oceans every minute, which is bad news for marine species.

Why is it necessary to save the oceans?

Most people are unaware of the significance of oceans in maintaining life on earth. This is better understood with the help of below given statistical details.

• Around 70% of the oxygen that we breathe comes directly from marine plants.
• 97% of Earth’s water is contained in the oceans and hence plays a critical role in maintaining the healthy water cycle that sustains life on the planet.
• The oceans absorb around 30% of the CO2 emissions on Earth keeping the atmosphere clean and healthy.
• Millions of people worldwide rely on the oceans for income and food.

The above facts help establish the importance of oceans for sustaining human life. The huge amounts of plastic dumped into the oceans can have seriously damaging consequences for the future of human life. That is why saving the oceans from the long-term impact of plastic waste should be our top priority.

What can you do to help save our oceans?

When it comes to saving the environment, every small step counts. The same is true in terms of making a difference to ocean plastic. In addition to reducing our individual use of plastic, we can contribute to the cause in the following ways.

Recycle And Reuse 

One of the qualities of plastic is that it can be recycled and reused. So rather than throwing every bit of plastic in the trash, we should find ways to recycle and reuse it. Polythene bags and plastic bottles can be used multiple times if stored properly. There are countless other plastic products that we use in our daily life that can be reused or recycled rather than being thrown away after using them once.

Use An Eco-Friendly Alternative

One way to make a serious difference to ocean plastic is by finding more eco-friendly alternatives for the materials. For example, disposable plastic cutlery may be replaced with products made from wood or paper. In recent years, cutlery developed from consumable food items has also become quite popular. Similarly, we should develop the habit of using disposable cups, straws, and bags made from paper rather than plastic.

Undertake A Clean The Beach Drive

Beaches are one of the biggest sources responsible for causing plastic pollution of oceans. People visiting the beaches often litter the area with different types of plastic which are swept into the ocean directly by the waves during high tide. The simple act of cleaning up the litter and properly disposing of it can help reduce plastic pollution considerably. Organizing a beach clean-up drive is yet another way to address the issue of plastic pollution in oceans.

Choose Cloth Over Plastic

Over the years, plastic has replaced cloth as the material of choice in items of everyday use. Products such as diapers, shopping bags, and even banners and flags, which were previously made from cloth, are now made from plastic. Although this might help reduce the cost and provide longer life, it also increases plastic pollution significantly. So reverting to the traditional method of using cloth for these tasks is an effective way to address the issue of plastic in oceans.

Choose Plastic-Free Products

Most people are unaware of the fact that the cleaning and hygiene care products they use contain microbeads. These microbeads are a type of plastic that enters the oceans through the sewage system. They have a severely negative impact on marine life and are one of the rapidly growing causes of plastic pollution in oceans. Avoiding the use of such products can contribute significantly to reducing the influx of destructive plastic into ocean waters.

Support Relevant Organizations And Legislature

Several organizations across the globe are working towards the cause of keeping the oceans plastic-free. Supporting such organizations through voluntary or financial service can help to address the issue more effectively. Similarly, we should extend support to any legislation that focuses on reducing plastic pollution in our oceans.

Conclusion

The ocean is an essential part of the Earth’s environment. Maintaining its health and hygiene is critical for preserving the Blue Planet for future generations. The time to take action is now and inspiring others to do the same thing is equally important. Every small contribution by every single individual can prove critical in protecting the oceans