Introduction to Plastic Ocean Pollution
The 21st century has seen multiple efforts aimed at protecting the environment. These efforts ensure that both human beings and other organisms have a clean and safe place to exist. One of the major environmental concerns of our time is Plastic Ocean Pollution, a growing issue that threatens ecosystems and global health. Some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations focus on clean water and sanitation, sustainable cities, climate action, and life below water.
Despite these initiatives, the continued use of plastic in all its forms has led to growing concerns. One major issue is Plastic Ocean Pollution, which results from excessive plastic debris entering marine environments. The effects are visible. There is a rising amount of debris in oceans and an increase in the death of marine creatures.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and further research by Hollaway et al., over 14 million tons of plastic end up in oceans every year. This plastic pollution negatively affects food safety and health, impacting both humans and marine wildlife.
The issue is alarming. It affects coastal tourism, endangers marine species, and could even contribute to climate change. Scholars have recommended several viable solutions after conducting extensive research on the subject. Considering these solutions is vital. It offers a promising approach to addressing Plastic Ocean Pollution and preventing future environmental damage.
Plastic Ocean Pollution is an increasing problem. It requires immediate attention from all stakeholders. Addressing this issue begins with understanding its causes, analyzing its effects, and implementing practical solutions.
Description of the Problem
Plastic ocean pollution began as a minor problem, which has grown to be a major cause for concern in environmental protection and conservation for sustainability. Ocean scientists noticed the problem back in the late 1960s to the early 1970s when they researched planktons (Ostle et al. 1). With the rise in the use of plastic bags and poor disposal methods from different individuals or groups using them, it was obviously inevitable that they would be carried into the oceans.
The continued dumping of plastic material into the ocean is what has resulted in the widespread pollution whose effects are feasible today. A recent study by Dybas and Professor Mason shows the rising use of microplastics, which mostly result from PP, plastic bottles, food wrappers, and other forms of plastic bits that affect the environment (1048-1049; 8). According to the study, microplastics have a major contribution to the pollution as they are used more frequently.
The effects of plastic pollution affect marine life and the people surrounding it in multiple ways. Plastic Ocean Pollutionis not a recent problem but a long-time one that seems to be worsening by the day unless, of course, something is done by everyone to avert the situation.
Causes of Plastic Ocean Pollution
There are multiple causes of Plastic Ocean Pollution, with the rising effects especially due to the inconsiderate nature of most people, oblivious (or understanding) of the effects on both humans, the environment, and marine wildlife. As earlier mentioned, more than 14 million tons of plastic waste are disposed of into oceans, making it responsible for the pollution.
Land-Based Sources of Plastic Debris
The primary sources of the plastic debris polluting the oceans normally come from land with several factors like littering, runoff from stormwater, runoff from urban water, overflows from sewage, illegal dumping under poorly managed construction activities, abrasion of tires, food packages, microplastics, and industrial activities (IUCN).
The major source of the plastic material running off to the sea arises from poorly managed and inadequate disposal of waste material whose major percentage is made up of plastic. Plastic can easily break down into smaller particles referred to as microplastics through different factors like ultraviolet radiation, ocean currents, wind, among other natural factors (Dybas). Sea creatures easily ingest the microplastics, which threatens their health and survival.
Forms of Ocean Plastic Pollution
The pollution exists in different manners including:
- Shoreline plastics
- Sea surface plastics
- Plastics ingested by marine organisms
- Sediment plastics (sea floor)
- Water column plastics
Industries and Countries Profiting from Plastic
Different people and organizations have benefited from plastic solutions in diverse ways. Today, there are different companies using plastic materials including food container wraps, cigarette butts, beverage cups, and containers. Some of the companies that benefit include Dow Chemical Company, INEOS, BASF, ENI, among others within Europe and the United States.
Countries like China, Germany, the US, Italy, France, Poland, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and South Korea make billions of dollars in revenue from the exportation of plastics (Association of Plastics Manufacturers). Despite multiple policies, it is still hard to get rid of the plastic industry since it is not only economically beneficial but also functionally essential, especially in hospitals and the food industry.
Policy Gaps and Governance Challenges
There are no clear national and international policies that contribute to the development of Plastic Ocean Pollution per se. However, considering the billions of dollars plastic production generates to most countries’ GDPs, it becomes hard to manage the production. Furthermore, negligence and lack of authoritative structures (or failure of their functionality) contribute to increasing pollution of the seas.
Effects of Ocean Plastic Pollution
The effects of ocean plastic pollution can be felt in society, the people, the marine environment, the environment at large, and the economy. Hollaway et al. discuss in their commentary the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which is visible plastic waste at the surface of most oceans, making up about 3% of the total plastic waste in the oceans.
Impact on Marine Life
Starting with the marine environment, ocean wildlife easily ingests the microplastics in the oceans, which affects their health. There is an estimate of five trillion pieces of microplastics floating over the world’s largest oceans (Mason 8). There are also cases of whales ingesting plastic debris. Such instances affect the health of the animals and can easily kill them.
Impact on Human Health
Human beings are affected by plastics in oceans in different manners. The tiny plastics normally absorb and later give off harmful pollutants, increasing the chances of disease in society. Common organic pollutants the microplastics absorb include:
- Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
- Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) (Dybas 1050)
Plastics are responsible for choking marine mammals, invading their guts, and creating health risks for humans who eat seafood (Gross and Enck 1-2). Plastics also clog waterways into the oceans, potentially harboring dangerous animals, especially for people living around shores. Diseases like malaria and other waterborne diseases are commonplace in such areas.
Economic Impacts
The economy is another area affected by Plastic Ocean Pollution. Countries and the international community spend a lot of money cleaning up oceans and seas—money that could be used for development projects. The UN Environment Program estimates that the world loses at least $13 billion annually due to damage caused by plastic pollution in the marine environment.
The killing of marine wildlife affects economies that depend on the fishing industry, reducing the amount of catch. The tourism industry also suffers due to the death of marine wildlife that attracts tourists. The economic impacts of plastic pollution should alert countries and responsible bodies to develop solutions rather than suffer the consequences.
Solutions to Ocean Plastic Pollution
Understanding the solutions to Plastic Ocean Pollution includes discussing past and current efforts as well as proposed future strategies.
Recycling and Reusing
Recycling and reusing have been the most functional methods of reducing plastic pollution. The US recycles only about 9% of plastics (Mason, 9), a number significantly lower than the amount contributing to pollution. Some materials cannot be recycled due to their complex composition. Moreover, recycling has been found to be expensive.
Waste Management and Consumer Behavior
Improving wastewater and stormwater management is essential. This needs to be broken down into regions, countries, municipal cities, and local governments to ensure effectiveness. The adoption of greener chemistry and alternative materials is also recommended.
The UK introduced a carrier bag charge in 2015, reducing plastic bag usage by almost 80%, translating to over 9 billion fewer plastic bags (Hollaway et al.). Other countries can adopt similar legislative approaches.
Local and International Efforts
Local governments should implement coastal zone improvements, especially targeting tourists and beach users, to reduce pollution (Dybas 1055). Hotels and tourist businesses should obtain clean beach certifications to guarantee proper waste management.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature recommends:
- More funding for research and innovation
- Development of alternative materials
- Encouraging sustainable consumption patterns
- Strengthening international legislative frameworks
Conclusion and Deductions
Plastic Ocean Pollution is a problem that has been existing and needs immediate action to prevent its continued effects. The pollution mostly arises from daily human activities in terms of consumption and disposal. Some authorities have failed to take responsibility for better waste management.
The major solution lies in changing people’s attitudes and behaviors toward managing plastic waste. A collective responsibility is key to ensuring that waste management efforts are effective.
In conclusion, ocean plastic pollution is caused by various factors and affects marine life, humans, and the economy. Behavioral changes and stakeholder involvement are necessary to reduce its impact. Governments and relevant bodies must make people aware of the consequences of plastic pollution and review current solutions to develop more effective ones. It is vital for everyone to participate in protecting the environment, especially our oceans and seas.
“We don’t just write articles – we help you ace your homework, spark change, and stay ahead of the curve.”
“Whether you’re swamped with assignments or struggling to perfect your blog post, we can work on your article – just click the link below and let us help you ace it.”
– Dr. Emily Carter, Environmental Science Writer & Academic Consultant